Robert Benjamin “Sandy” Sanderson peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN at the age of 85 years, and 10 days. Sandy was born in Ridgeway, IA on January 24, 1935 to Adolph and Ruth Sanderson. He was the middle child with an older sister Norma Jean and younger brother Dean. Eventually his family settled in LeRoy, MN. He graduated as a decorated athlete from LeRoy High School in 1953. As a young child rumor has it he would often “forget” to go to school and instead go fishing in one of the local rivers or ponds. After High School he attended Luther College for a couple years and was an accomplished wrestler before he transferred to St. Cloud State and continued wrestling. While there he decided to faithfully serve our Country with the United States Air Force for 4 years spending 3 of those years in Germany. He returned to St. Cloud State in 1961 to complete his education degree. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Norita “Riti” Bartz, while coaching her in softball. They were wed in marriage on June 8, 1963 and were blessed with 2 children a son Greg and daughter Kirsti. After marriage they lived in Olivia, MN where both he and Riti taught until 1967 and Sandy was the wrestling coach. Olivia is where they welcomed son Greg into the family in 1965. A teaching job brought their new family to Buffalo, MN in 1967 which is where they have lived for the past 50+ years. Sandy was at Buffalo Junior High from 1967-1969 as a social studies teacher and High School wrestling coach where he coached the first Buffalo Wrestler to a State Championship. In 1971, daughter Kirsti was born, and the family was complete. In 1976 he and Riti opened up Sandy Sports Shop which was the hometown store for all sporting needs including live bait for 10 years. He was known as the “best skate sharpener” in town. He volunteered for countless local organizations: he started the Buffalo Jaycee’s, served as a Buffalo Park Board member for 6 years, charter member of the Buffalo Gun Club; Served on Park View Board of Directors, and caused a media storm claiming to see a whale on Buffalo Lake. He also volunteered with Capable Partners Annual Fishing trip and was known to “steal” your money on hole # 4 at Wild Marsh Golf Course during the Annual Wright County Community Health Foundation golf tournament. After Sandy’s Sports closed he became an independent Educational Salesman representing several different companies until his retirement in 2015 from Davis Publications. Sandy was an avid hunter and fisherman his entire life. His love for the outdoors were genuine. His favorite place on earth, The Bighorn River in Montana, is where he would go every August for the annual fly fishing trip with family and especially his grandsons.
Sandy is preceded in death by parents Adolph & Ruth Sanderson, brother Dean Sanderson, Father-in Law Herman Bartz and Mother-in-Law Rozella Bartz. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Riti, Son Greg (Lisa) Sanderson (Minnetonka, MN), Daughter Kirsti (Kelly) Hein (Cottage Grove, MN). Grandchildren and pride and joy of his life Harper and Brody Sanderson (fiancé Abby Joyce) and Annika (special friend Jason Miner), Bailey and Cooper Hein; sister, Norma Jean Stiles
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for memorials to be used to local outdoor conservations.
Robert “Sandy” Sanderson
Print This Page
Dear Sanderson Family,
Sandy was the best friend my father George Robertson could ever hope to have. He loved him with all his heart. He truly was an exceptional man.
I cannot begin to imagine the incredible loss all of you are feeling right now.
My heart breaks for all of you
~ Victoria Robertson ~
The Sanderson Family, My thoughts to you during this difficult time, Sandy was always one of the “good guys”. Take Care, Del Haag
Reading his obituary and life story make him seem like an incredible man
Teachings,coaching, devoted to family, loved his country and lived his passions for fishing, sporting etc etc.
I know you will all miss him deeply, my prayers to your Mom, and all of your family. Thinking of you
I have great memories of growing up next door to Sandy, and the Sanderson family . He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him
Sandy treated Austin like a grandson and took him fishing with Brody during visits to MN. Austin also thought of Sandy as a Grandfather figure and he learned about the outdoors during these visits. My entire family always enjoyed our visits with the Sanderson’s and I had many Christmas trips before getting married where I enjoyed the “best” Bloody Mary I have ever had and the delicious bacon wrapped scallops! I envision my dad waiting for Sandy with fishing poles in hand…Sandy was a man that Everyone liked – always a smile on his face and ready to give a hug. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers for “Sandy” and the entire extended Sanderson Family, from the RYAN IT Team.
We are all colleagues of Greg. Although we did not get the chance to meet “Sandy”, he must have been a wonderful person and good citizen of the human race. We all know Greg and are proud to call him a colleague and, more importantly, a friend.
Reading about “Sandy”, we know it’s true – “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.
May “Sandy” rest in peace and may the Sanderson Family find great comfort in the many memories that are surely brought back to everyone at this moment in time. Laughter and tears have healing powers.
Sincerest regards – RYAN’s IT Team
Sandy will be missed greatly. I fine gentlemen by any measure, family man, excellent book rep and outdoorsman with a love of fly fishing. May Sandy rest in peace and have a fly rod in his hand.
I’ll be keepin’ the Sanderson family in my prayers. His obituary outlined very nicely what kind of guy he was. Sorry that I never had opportunity to meet him, but also glad that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with his son, whom I regard as a lifetime friend!
Riti, Greg and Kirsti,
My sincere condolences, Sandy was such a wonderful man. From fishing on Lake Michigan in his boat “Sandy’s Girl” to catching my first walleye on Lake Mille Lacs with him as guide to his many times helping for our Rotary Club’s partnership with Capable Partners I have many wonderful fishing memories with “Sander”.
Our deepest sympathies, memories of him will be with you forever.
Riti and Family, We will hold you closely to our hearts as you mourn Sandy’s passing.
Riti and Family,
Our sincerest thoughts are with you and family! Bob was my fishing menetor and enjoyed our time in recent years discussing fly fishing and traveling.
With love,
Brian Elliott and Cindy VanLith
He was Uncle Bob to me, and he was the “Cool Uncle”! I loved him and I’m so glad I got to see him in June having a great time at a family wedding. I will miss him.
My Sympathy to you during this sad time. Sandy was a great asset to the city of Buffalo.