Roger Sanders obituary

Roger Henry Sanders, 75, of Lake City, Minn. passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at his home in Lake City with his family by his side. He was born on September 6, 1949, in Wabasha, Minn. to Eugene and Doretta (Ahlers) Sanders. Roger was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in West Albany. He attended schools in Millville, Wabasha, and Lake City.
Roger started his working career at Gary’s 66 and the Ford garage, he then bought the Skelly Station and later sold it to Richie Tomfohrde and went to work at Orville Carsten’s Body Shop. He then worked at Di-Acro until they went on strike. Roger proceeded to return to work at the Ford garage again and then left to become an owner/operator and signed on with Action Carrier over the road trucking. Later he left to work for Tony Warren hauling malt and then to work for North Star Blacktopping. Roger then worked for the City of Lake City in the Streets and Parks Department until retiring in 2016. He also worked Saturday mornings at the Ford garage for many years along with his regular jobs.
Cars caught Roger’s interest all his life. He did some drag racing at the drag strips, North Star Drag Strip, Minnesota Dragway’s, or Amber Green, and would never pass up a quick race with one of his buddies on a Friday or Saturday night on the back roads. He owned a stock car and worked as a pitman for his brother, Eddie, at the stock car tracks at Fountain City, Kasson and Cedar Falls. In later years he enjoyed cruising with the Lakesters Car Club, car shows, and cruise-ins in the area. When asked to make a list of the cars he had owned, the list surpassed 50. His cars were his pride and joy.
Roger enjoyed boating on Lake Pepin, camping on the sandbars, and fishing up north. In the winter he enjoyed ice fishing and spending the day in the fish shack with a good cocktail and maybe a hand of euchre. Before losing his dad, his best friend, in 2003 they spent many Friday nights going for a country drive and having supper together. Bowling was a winter pastime for many years. He enjoyed his bowling league night and a chance to socialize with the guys. His heart sank when his health took a turn, and he had to give up bowling. His friends were always welcome at his garage, one of his favorite spots to spend time in while listening to good tunes on his stereo. He was a member of the bowling association, Lakesters Car Club, Minnesota Street Rod Association, and the Lake City Sportsman’s Club. Roger’s comment was always, “I’ve lived a good life.”
Roger is survived by his wife Lorie (nee Ohlhaber) Roschen Sanders of Lake City; brothers, Eddie (Shirley) Sanders of Lake City, Otto (Jenny) Sanders of Red Wing; a sister, Melody Johnson of Winona; sister-in-law, Kathy Sanders of Weslaco, Texas; brothers-in-law, Richard Klein, of Lake City, Ian (Mary) Lutjen of Red Wing, Arlen Ohlhaber of Lake City, and Bruce (Jody) Ohlhaber of Red Wing; a special Godson, Ben (Monica) Boege; and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Eugene and Doris Sanders; mother, Doretta Smith; brother, Dale Sanders; and sister-in-law, Marvel Klein.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City with Pastor Robbin Robert officiating. The burial will immediately follow the service at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Lake City. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lake City VFW on Thursday, February 13 from 1 p.m. to 3  p.m.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel.  Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.