Don L. Sands

Don L. Sands age 77 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Tuesday June 26, 2012 at the Frazee Care Center, Frazee, MN. Don Lee Sands was born on March 22, 1935 in Alvarado, MN to Maurice and Evelyn Swenson Sands. Donchr(39)s family lived in Watertown, SD and St. Paul, MN when Don was a young boy. They moved back to Alvarado, MN in 1947 where Don graduated from high school in 1953. On March 10, 1954 he was united in marriage to Arlyn Johnson in Alvarado, MN. Don served in the United States Army from 1954-1956. Following his discharge from the Army Don and Arlyn made their home in Detroit Lakes. Don worked for Wilcox Lumber Co. in Detroit Lakes. He later started a 32 year career with the U.S. Postal Service, starting as a clerk in the Detroit Lakes Post Office and later as a rural carrier. He retired in 1994. Don was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed golf, snowmobiling and his horses. Don created and maintained his own golf course, where he hosted many family tournaments. Don was also very involved at WE Fest, where he and Arlyn worked for many years. Don always enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Arlyn; two daughters, Joan (Clark) Firestone, of Dayton, OR and Rhonda (Daniel) Mohn, of Rochert, MN; daughter in law, Chris Sands, of Callaway, MN; eight grandchildren, Michael Firestone, Heidi Crouch, Tabita Niles, Andrew Mohn, Maria Mayfield, Isaiah Mohn, Justin Sands, and Grant Sands; ten great grandchildren; one sister, Diane (Dan) Carlson, of Waconia, MN; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan; and his parents.