Martin Vander Sanden Jr.

Martin Vander Sanden Jr., age 90, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital. Martin was born on February 15, 1934, in Harrison, Wisconsin, to Martin Sr. and Alida (Swan) Vander Sanden. Martin was a veteran of the US Army. Martin married Judith (Judy) Lovsletten on September 2, 1961, at St. Augustine Church in Harrison. After marriage, he became a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Church in Tomahawk, where over the years he was a member of St. Mary’s Church council, the Knights of Columbus, and an usher for many years. Martin’s faith sustained him through many health and physical struggles in his life and remained his guiding force until his very last moment. Martin was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. His immediate and extended family meant everything to him. Martin was a proud Dutchman that grew up on the family farm in Harrison, Wisconsin, and he loved to spend time in Harrison with family and friends, especially during deer hunting season. Martin’s kindness, optimism, work ethic, and sense of humor were his defining traits. 

Martin was employed in his early years with Tomahawk Sand & Gravel, Owens-Illinois Woodland Division, and then Georgia-Pacific Corporation for many years. Instead of retirement, Martin decided that he wasn’t done working yet and went back to work for Schoone Trucking & Excavating and then Daigle Brothers, Inc. His coworkers and the sense of accomplishment that he gained there as an older employee gave him great joy in his retirement years. Martin made Country Terrace Assisted Living his home for the past three years, and he treasured his connections with the staff there. The great care, assistance, and companionship the staff at Country Terrace provided to Martin was outstanding.

Martin is survived by his children, Joan (Larry) Hurtis & Thomas Vander Sanden, all of Tomahawk; one grandson, Jacob (Jocelyn Van Rixel) Gorecki; step-grandchildren, Patrick Hurtis and Sheila (Jenni) Hurtis; brother-in-law, Gordon (Vicky) Lovsletten; his sister, Mary Ann Behling; and two brothers, Thomas Vander Sanden and Carl (Leona) Vander Sanden; and many nieces and nephews. 

Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Judith R. (Lovsletten) Vander Sanden; Granddaughter-in-law, Toni (Greil) Gorecki; four sisters: Margaret (John) Loka, Alice (Robert) Hoogervorst, Lorraine (George) Weizenicker, and Bernice (Ronald) Anzia; and brother John (Delores) Vander Sanden.

A memorial mass for Martin Vander Sanden will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony will officiate. Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at 12:00 PM. 

Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgenfuneral.com

Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.