James A. Sanner
James A. Sanner , Age 76
James A. Sanner, age 76, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 at his Baraboo home after a brief battle with cancer.
James was born to Harold and Evelyn Sanner on February 1, 1949 in Sparta WI and spent his younger years in Wonewoc. He graduated from Baraboo High School and enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served from 1968 until his honorable discharge date of October 22nd, 1974. He returned to Baraboo where he met his wife, Karen Bjornsen. They were united in marriage on September 16th, 1977. James went on to work for Baraboo Sysco Foods for over 40 years, retiring in 2015.
James was very proud of his service years in the US Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam War, but was most proud of his service while stationed at Quantico, VA. There, at the rank of Sergeant, James was assigned to HMX-1, Marine Helicopter Squadron One. He was Crew Chief for Marine One and was responsible for the safe transportation of President Richard Nixon to and from the White House. He often bragged of his takeoffs and landings from the White House lawn. Later in life, he continued his service to our country by active participation in various Veteran's organizations including: Baraboo American Legion Post 26 (Honor Guard), Wisconsin Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (Chaplain, Service Officer), Marine Corps League Saguaro Detachment 554 (Mesa, AZ), and Greenfield Village Resort Veteran's Club (Commander). James was excited to be able to travel to Washington D.C. with his son, Eric, on the 50th Badger Honor Flight in 2023. His entire family greeted him at the airport upon his return. James was never much for attention and accolades; however, he was very proud of his accomplishments on that day.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling with Karen. They spent many years camping in Minocqua, WI as well as wintering at their home in Mesa, AZ. Each year, he looked forward to the annual fishing trip to Hayward, WI and spending time with his family and extended family. James fished exclusively for musky but most enjoyed taking a break on the boat and watching others fish.
James is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen; children, Stacy (Brent Goerks) Sanner Davee, Jamie (Travis Sonsalla) Sanner, Eric (Brianna) Sanner; grandchildren, Mitchell (Meghan Crisman) Davee, Bodey Davee, Journey Sanner, Alexis Sanner, James Sanner; brother, Robert (Sharon) Sanner; brother-in-law, Tom Cummings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Evelyn Sanner; and his sister, Shirley Cummings.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 15th, 2025 at 1:00pm at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home with Navy Chaplain Rick Shaffer officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:30am until the time of service at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the Baraboo American Legion Post 26, PO Box 37, Baraboo, WI 53913.
Condolences
Harold Wickus March 06, 2025
Friend Fort Myers , Florida
I’m so sorry Karen
Linda and Rick Schenck March 06, 2025
Acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sending deepest sympathy for your loss…so very sorry.
Christine Baker March 06, 2025
Travel Friend Dryden , Michigan
Karen! No words! I am so very sorry for your incredible loss. Sending love and prayers and strength.
Eileen and John Perry March 06, 2025
Friend CLARKSVILLE , Tennessee
Karen, we are so sorry for your loss, May you and your family be comforted by your many memories of all your years together.
Kathy Przybylski March 06, 2025
Neighbor/Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Deepest condolences to all of you. I know how proud he was serving his country.
Mariann Ryckman March 06, 2025
Friend Attica
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's illness and passing. You and your family will be in my prayers in the coming days.
Annie Griffith March 06, 2025
Friend Baraboo
Karen, I am so sorry for the loss of your much loved Jim !! I was truly shocked at his passing !! May he rest in peace !! My sympathy to the kids whom he loved dearly !! Blessings to you all !!
Fred and Julia Satterlee March 06, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our condolences. Jim was a great friend and we will miss him.
Linda Peterson March 06, 2025
Karen’s friend CANON CITY , Colorado
So sorry for your loss. Gary enjoyed talking with Jim at the reunion. We were hoping to spend more time with Jim and Karen in the future. What a great life! We appreciate his service in the Marine Corps!
Sharleen George March 06, 2025
Friend Cobble Hill , Arizona
Danny and I were so surprised and saddened to hear about Jim's death. There are no words too convey how we feel except we're sorry. All our condolences to you and your family.
Sandy De Mars March 06, 2025
Classmate Madison , Wisconsin
Karen and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sandy
Heather Hess March 06, 2025
Friend of Family Baraboo
Our deepest condolences. Jim was a fantastic guy and left a lasting impression on all of us . Thinking of you all & hoping his memories will help you through this.
Michael Burton March 06, 2025
Friend Windsor , Colorado
Great person and patriot!
Sue and Don Hay March 07, 2025
Friend Regina, SK Vanafa
Jim will be missed here at HFV. So honored that he was able to carry the IS flag at our Canada celebrations here in Mesa AZ. Condolences to you and your family Karen!
Brian Sefkar March 07, 2025
Friend Baraboo
So sorry to hear this ....!!
Eric & Susan Bjornsen March 07, 2025
Brother-in-law Rochester , Minnesota
So sorry to hear of your loss. Still processing the fact that we are all at that stage in life. Please let me know what I can do going forward.
jim wickus March 07, 2025
friend baraboo , Wisconsin
jim was a friend, great employee, and a gentle person who concord many jobs with exceptional results. jim was one of a kind and respected by everyone. he will leave a bit hole in the hearts of many.
Marsha Spohn Trent March 07, 2025
Stacys Mom Dexter , New Mexico
Thinking of all of you. You are in my prayers! Stay strong .
Kathy beebe March 07, 2025
Friend Tucson , Arizona
My condolences to you Karen n your beautiful family Many of us go through life hoping we we’ve made a difference by being here Jim Sanner made sure he did that! you all must be so proud
Terry Spencer March 07, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
It’s sad to hear that Jim had passed away. Jim was good guy and loved by many. Karen you have my sincerest condolences.
Janet Klipp March 07, 2025
Friend Sarona WI Apache Junction , Wisconsin
Karen and family I am sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you as you go forward.
Tom & Stacy Gould March 07, 2025
Friend and fellow Marine Mesa , Arizona
Semper Fi Marine ... rest in peace, we'll miss you.
DelMonte/Donna J. Wagner March 07, 2025
Great friend Rushville , Indiana
Karen & Family: We were so sorry to learn of your husbands passing. Please know you are in our daily thoughts and Prayers. Love you, Donna & DelMonte Wagner, 234 North Blue Ribbon Court, Rushville, Indiana 46173
Jim/Kay Leonard March 08, 2025
GFV friend & Veteran friend Mesa , Arizona
So sorry for your loss Karen I only regret that I didn't get to know Jim better. We had a great relationship with the GFV Veterans Club. He did an outstanding job growing it
Ann Effinger March 08, 2025
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
Sending condolences to you, Karen.
Elaine Dittrich March 09, 2025
Neighbor Baraboo , Wisconsin
Karen, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Steve and Nancy Porter March 09, 2025
Friends Yuma , Arizona
Karen and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are glad to have visited with Karen and Jim at our 50 year class reunion in '23. Please know we are thinking of all of you at the difficult time. Steve and Nancy Porter
Ron shsnks March 09, 2025
Friend North Freedom , Wisconsin
My condolences to you, Karen, and to all the family. Jim was a good man and gentleman.
Jim Rechtin March 09, 2025
Co-worker Middleton , Wisconsin
Jim was a real gentleman. I enjoyed working with him at Sysco. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Dick & Lynn Hoffman March 10, 2025
Co worker @ Sysco Baraboo
Dear Karen, Stacey, Jamie, Eric and family, Sorry for your loss! Jim was a good person and I enjoyed working with him.
Laura Stanek March 10, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry for your loss. Great guy! Peace.
Badger Honor Flight March 10, 2025
friend Madison , Wisconsin
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of James Sanner. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Casey & Gary Dobson March 13, 2025
Friend/co worker Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Karen and family very sorry for your loss. We both worked with Jim and have to say, what ever the issue, problem or emergency Jim was ALWAYS a professional at solving and finding solutions to the task. Rest in peace my friend.
Kathi March 15, 2025
Forever friend - travel buddies Beaver Dam
Karen and kids- we loved spending time together- we are at a loss for words. Our memories of camping, traveling, enjoying adult beverages together are cherished. Hugs