Alan Sanders

It is with heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of Alan Sanders, 77, of Sandwich, IL, on October 21, 2024, at The Pavilion nursing home in Sandwich, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Alan, or Al as many of his friends knew him, was born on September 12, 1947, at Woodward Hospital in Sandwich. He graduated from Plano High School in 1964, and in 1968 graduated from Illinois State University in Normal, IL with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. On June 14, 1969, he married Nancy (Smith) in Plano, IL. He later worked as a machinist building heavy mining equipment for Caterpillar in Montgomery, IL before retiring in 2006. For many years Alan was an active member of the Sandwich Moose Lodge, Cedardell Golf Club and Sandwich Park District, especially involved with TBall and Girls Softball. 

Alan enjoyed golfing, bowling, cycling, camping with his family and coaching his daughters’ softball teams. He liked to travel and especially appreciated warm islands with a beach where he could relax with his toes in the sand. After retirement he and his wife, Nancy, could be found traveling all over the country in his Jeep exploring new places on their Townie bikes, but he also enjoyed his quiet time bicycling around Sandwich and contemplating the world. Alan was a warm and kind man who loved most of all spending time with his family and doting on his grandchildren. 

Alan is survived by his best friend and wife of 55 years, Nancy; his three daughters and their spouses, Erin (James) O’Leary of Culver City, CA, Kari (Dan) Christenberry of Elgin, IL and Cori Sanders (Dawn Pederson) of Chicago, IL; his sister Marilyn Beard of Lexington, IL; his three grandchildren who were the light of his life, Lucas and Harper Christenberry and Evelyn O’Leary; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Joyce Sanders, in-laws Harley and Millie Smith, and brothers-in-law, Dale Beard, Todd Smith and James Smith. 

We will honor Alan at a Celebration of his life on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Cedardell Golf Club, 14264 South Hale Street, in Plano, IL 60545. In keeping with his carefree character and wishes, please come dressed in casual attire. 

The family would like to graciously thank his team of doctors, nurses and staff at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Rush Copley Medical Center; Alden of Waterford, Pavilion on Main Street, and his hospice team at Compassus for their empathy and care. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be given in Alan’s name either to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/) or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/).