Willis Sanburg

Willis “Bill” Sanburg was born at home at Riverside, south of Montrose, August 27, 1936 to Carroll Sanburg and Ruby Lee (Kegans) Sanburg.  He passed away October 28, 2016 at home after a brief illness.  Bill, a 4th generation resident of the Uncompahgre Valley, loved his life out in the country.  He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Salem, flagship of the 6th fleet in the Mediterranean.  He returned to a job as a ranch hand in Paonia, where he met Thera Minerich, the daughter of a neighboring farmer. After a quick courtship, they were married on Sep 22, 1959. They enjoyed 57 years and lots of adventures together. They were blessed with a son, Monte, and daughter, Trudi, and another son, Thomas (Tom). They purchased a home and a few acres at Uncompahgre, south of Montrose, where they raised their family and have lived happily for nearly 50 years.

Bill had a diverse career, he worked as a miner in both hard-rock and coal mines. He was a milk man, a truck driver, and he managed a drilling company for several years. Bill was always known for his big smile and booming voice. He loved nature and his family.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and Thera served a mission for the Church in Cove Fort, Utah.

He is survived by His wife, Thera, his children Monte and wife Kelly, Trudi and husband Keith Hall, and Tom and wife Vicki, and nine grandchildren. Also, a brother, Monte Sanburg, sister, Doreen Gerle, and sister, Sandra Whitton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Carroll Sanburg, and a grandson, Luke Sanburg.

Though he will be greatly missed, he is undoubtedly enjoying a wonderful reunion in heaven with his savior, Jesus Christ, and many of his loved ones.

A Funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at 21028 Uncompahgre Rd., Montrose, CO, on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 10:00a.m. Burial will at Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, Colorado at 3:00pm.

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