John Allen Sand

John Allen Sand, 65, Ellendale, ND, died March 1, 2017 at Aberdeen Health and Rehab, Aberdeen SD. John was born February 5, 1952 to Alvin and Edna (Fleming) Sand. He was raised on the family farm near Ellendale, ND attended school at Ellendale Public School graduating in 1970. During his school years, John participated in a variety of activities including football, 4-H and received the Farmers Union Torchbearer Award. John attended UND-EB for one year and then transferred to UND at Grand Forks, ND. John married Amy Bobbe on August 7, 1977 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ellendale, ND. They lived in Mayville, ND for 2 years where John worked as a Union Carpenter. In 1980 they moved back to Ellendale to farm with his father. Working together they farmed his father’s land and land that John gradually added to the operation, raising small grains, corn, soybeans and hogs. John enjoyed attending his children’s activities, including football and basketball games, wrestling matches, baseball games and piano recitals. He spent long hours in the shop building, repairing and maintaining all the equipment necessary to run a farm. One of his favorite things to do was crop tour, driving from field to field watching his crops and his neighbor’s crops grow and develop. His best day was the first day the combine went to the field. John is survived by his wife Amy; two sons: Adam (Heidi) Sand, Ishpeming, MI, Jordan (Laurie) Sand, Madison, WI; daughter: Maren (Keary) Wakefield, Aberdeen, SD; six grandchildren: Andrew of Ishpeming, MI, Nora, Jack and Paul of Madison, WI, Josh and Hannah Wakefield of Aberdeen, SD; his mother: Edna Sand, Ellendale, ND; one sister: Amanda (Doug) Johnson, Galchutt ND; one brother: Perry (Wendy) Sand, DeSmet, SD and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his father Alvin Sand and brother Curt Sand. A memorial service is 11am Saturday, March 11 at Presbyterian United Methodist Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Henschen officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.