Visitation: A visitation with family and a lunch will follow the 1:30 p.m. service at the church.

Service: A service of thanksgiving to God for the life of Donald will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at Canton Lutheran Church. A visitation with family and a lunch will follow the service at the church. A private family burial will be held Monday at the Canton Lutheran Cemetery.

Donald K. Sandness, 86, of Canton died Thursday, October 3, 2013 at Sanford Canton-Inwood Hospital.  A service of thanksgiving to God for the life of Donald will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at Canton Lutheran Church.  A visitation with family and a lunch will follow the service at the church.  A private family burial will be held Monday at the Canton Lutheran Cemetery.

He was born July 25, 1927 on the family farm south of Canton, to Ole and Jenny (Halvorson) Sandnes.  Donald attended country school, and started farming at a young age with his father.  He married Marcella Reiff on Sunday, January 30, 1949 at the Dell Rapids Methodist Church.  Two daughters, JoAnn and Donna, were born to this union.  The couple lived and farmed north of Canton all their married life.

He was a member of Canton Lutheran Church, but also enjoyed fellowship at Springdale and Grand Valley Lutheran Churches.  Donald was always very proud of his Norwegian heritage and enjoyed his many trips to Norway, as well as hosting many Norwegian visitors.  He especially enjoyed his years singing with the Greig Male Chorus and many activities with the Sons of Norway.  Donald was a wonderful “old time” dancer and met his bride at the Arkota Ballroom.  In his later years, watching the Lawrence Welk Show and any other polka show was his favorite pastime.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two daughters; JoAnn Fitzpatrick of Sioux Falls and Donna (Jim) Crowl of Faribault, MN; three grandchildren: Lisa (Chris) Berg of Wayzata, MN, Kelly Fitzpatrick of Sioux Falls, and Cory Fitzpatrick of Minneapolis; and three great-grandchildren: Keagen and Paxton Fitzpatrick and Max Berg.  He is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Ivona Sandnes of Canton and Arlayne Grottveit of Wauwatosa, WI; as well as several nieces and nephews and special friends (almost daughters) Nancy Garry of Harrisburg and Jane Sinning of Lee’s Summit, MO.  Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella, his parents, his sister, Helen, and brothers, John Omar I, John Omar II, and Harold Kenneth.