Sanford Moen, age 95, of Gary, MN, died Monday, May 31, 2021, at his residence.
Sanford Oscar Moen, the son of Oscar and Sophia (Sanden) Moen, was born on January 12, 1926, at home near Gary. Sanford grew up on the farm and attended school in Gary. After his mother died, Sanford and his siblings were lovingly raised by their father. Sanford’s life revolved around farming, and he proudly carried on the farming tradition. The family welcomed his stepmother, Edna, and several more siblings into the family a short time later. On the day of his father and Edna’s wedding, Sanford met the love of his life, Dorothy Monson. Following a brief three-month courtship, Sanford and Dorothy were united in marriage on July 22, 1951, at St. Petri Lutheran Church. They were blessed with two children and worked side by side on the farm. Together, they raised crops and ran a dairy operation. Sanford was incredibly active in the Gary Community and surrounding area. He often traveled with the MN Dairy Council and the Red River Potato Council. Over the years, he was on the Gary School Board, Watershed Board, Church Council, the Gary City Council, director of the Farmers Union Company in Gary, and many other boards and committees. Sanford was honored to be a loyal member of the Gary Lions and the Gary State Bank Board. In the early 2000s, Dorothy and Sanford moved into Gary to make their home. Sanford spent many hours doing crossword puzzles, playing pinochle, playing Bingo, and sneaking sweet treats. Dorothy passed away in 2015, after which, Sanford became ever grateful for the hometown care of his community. He cherished the years of kindness, visits, meals, and generosity from his friends, family, and neighbors. He especially enjoyed his pie and Dairy Queen runs with Gary. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Sanford was survived by his son, Peter Moen of Gary; a daughter, Pati (Bill) Crowley of Columbus, OH; stepsister, Vangie Hillstad; four grandchildren: Gabriel, Griffin, Makensie, and Jordyn; 2 great-grandchildren, Gavin and Phoebe; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy (Monson) Moen; his parents, Oscar and Sophia; stepmother, Edna Moen; siblings: Maxine Wamback, Gloria Altringer, Duane Moen, Norman Moen, Ruth Lee, Yvonne Fischer, Lovilla DeCicco, Beverly Johnson, and Elwood Narum.
