Obituaries : Dwight V. Sanders

VINTON - Dwight Verle Sanders, 65, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with his wife and son by his side. He was born on September 9, 1952, in Vinton, Iowa, to Verle and Culah (Evens) Sanders. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton, class of 1970. He attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, majoring in agriculture. Dwight married Bonnie Schadle on September 3, 1973, at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton. Together they had one son, Jason. The family farm, passed down from Dwight's dad, was truly his passion. He was a hard worker and could be found on the farm laboring from early morning into the evening hours most days, where he had row crop and a seed conditioning business. The farm was also home to Sanders Pumpkin Farm up until a few years ago, as well as an annual Christmas light display, both of which Dwight took much pride in and through them, found pleasure in bringing joy to others. His passion for farming also extended into his active support of 4-H, FFA and farm commodity groups. As hard as he worked, Dwight also knew how to have fun. He loved skiing and annual trips to Copper Mountain, Colorado, with family and friends. He enjoyed road trips and drove on as many adventures as he could. Dwight looked forward to exhibiting farm produce and the occasional photograph at the Iowa State Fair every summer. When there was down time, you were sure to find Dwight with a can of Dew, bowl of popcorn and plate of bacon. Dwight was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton for over 50 years and had a humble faith in Christ that sustained him throughout his life. Most of all, he was a devoted husband and father, whose kindness, fun-loving attitude, and smile were contagious. Dwight was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Janet Sanders. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; son, Jason (Angie) Sanders and four grandchildren, Gabe, Cooper, Chloe, and Gavin, all of Hyrum, Utah; brother, Doyle (Margaret) Sanders of Johnston, Iowa; sister-in-law Mary (Brad) Spratt of Muscatine, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Pastor Mike Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at the church and one hour prior to services on Thursday. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. A memorial fund has been established in Dwight's honor. Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Dwight and his family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.