Steven M. Sanda

Steven Marshall Sanda of Cloquet, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on March 27th, 2024. Steve, "Toivo" to his closest friends, was born May 9th, 1951 in Cloquet. He graduated from Cloquet Senior High School in 1969 and continued to intently follow their sport teams. After graduation and some exploration, he worked at his father's business "Sanda Paint and Wallpaper." He would later take ownership of it and would run it for the next 30 years. In that time period, he met, fell in love with and built his family with Judy Parnin, the love of his life. Steve was funny, wise and patient. He always listened during a conversation, even if it was just you talking about how the roads were on a drive. He was quick to make you laugh with a retort, one liner or just a silly dad joke. Even if it was not that funny, he would laugh at his own joke and that would usually make you laugh as well. He was an enthusiastic hunter and a participatory fisherman who believed staunchly in conservation and the value of the wilderness. From his annual Father's Day fishing trip to the couple weeks of whitetail season or just spending time at the "Cow Palace" (the family shack) with his friends, he was usually happiest outdoors.
Pre-deceased by his parents Helen and Toivo Sanda, his sister Julie Dennison, and his brothers Peter and David. He is survived by his sisters Nancy Johnson (Garth), Mary Tschida (Rob), Rose Herstad (Wayne), Sheila Depre (Keith). They all will dearly miss him.
He is also survived by his wife Judith Sanda, his four sons, Aaron, Luke, Jacob (Emily Green), Patrick, and his daughter Rachel Plinski (Dustin). Lastly he is survived by his grandson Milo Toivo Plinski, his newest love who carries on the Toivo name and brightens a room, just like his grandfather did. He will be deeply missed by the many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and nieces, and innumerable daycare children to which he was Big Steve.
He always had time for you, especially if you were one of the children in his life. Whether it was driving the boat so every son, daughter, niece, nephew, friend of a friend and kid down the road could go tubing, or just patiently playing "ABC song" or "Halloween song!" for the kids at daycare as many times as they asked, he had time for it. He adored his grandson Milo and the time he spent with him, even when he was telling Milo to "Take it eeeeasy" while he was flinging toys and grabbing his glasses or beard. He was always patient and always found joy in the children in his life and they found joy in him.
We love you friend. We love you brother. We love you dad. I love you grandpa. I love you husband.
A memorial visitation for Steve will be at 5:00 p.m. until the time of his memorial service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Refreshments will be served throughout his service. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care.