Donald A. Sannes

Donald A. Sannes, age 74, of Onalaska and formerly Soldiers Grove, died Friday October 11, 2019. Donald "Don" A. Sannes, age 74, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, October 11, 2019, at the Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center in Viroqua, WI. He was born July 31, 1945, to Dr. William A. and Eda (Nederloe) Sannes. Don was a 1963 graduate of Soldiers Grove High School. Following high school, he attended Luther College in Decorah, IA for two years before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1965. Don was united in marriage to Andrea Hoffland August 21, 1965, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove, WI. Together they moved to Grand Forks, ND where they spent one year before moving back to Wisconsin. Don then worked at then Badger Army Ammunition plant as a chemist and later at the Bjorksten Research Laboratory in Madison. Don and Andrea moved home to purchase the Pine Grove Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove and ran it for 9 years before building the Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home in Soldiers Grove. They later sold the nursing home to Prairie Memorial Hospital from Prairie du Chien and retired after 40 years of service. Don was active in the communities he lived in and belonged to various organizations. He was proud to have served on church council, Soldiers Grove Community Development Corp., and the North Crawford School Board. He enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badgers, Packers, playing bridge, and playing golf with his golf group. More than anything, Don loved his family and spending time with his four grandsons. They enjoyed boating and fishing on the Mississippi and the Black River. He enjoyed attending Grandpa Camp at Sugar Creek Bible Camp. He is survived by his wife, Andrea of Onalaska, WI; sons, Aaron (Christie) Sannes of Cedar Falls, IA and Kristjon (Brenda) Sannes of Galesville, WI; grandchildren, Jack, Drew and Chase of Cedar Falls, IA and Leif of Galesville, WI, sisters, Mary (Marvin) George of Shreveport, LA, Margaret Sannes of Waunakee, WI, Noreen (Jerry) Waller of Baltimore, MD and Karn (Gary) Dull of Milton, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William Sannes and Eda Sannes, and a brother, William "Billy" Sannes. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. Pastor Matthew Toso will officiate. Burial will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for visitation Tuesday, October 15, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Online condolences are available at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56W), in Viroqua is assisting the family with arrangements, (608) 637-2100.