Obituary: Steven Marshall Sanda

Steven Marshall Sanda of Cloquet passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on March 27, 2024. Steve, "Toivo" to his closest friends, was born May 9, 1951, in Cloquet. He graduated from Cloquet Senior High School in 1969 and continued to intently follow their sport teams. After graduation and some exploration, he worked at his father's business, Sanda Paint and Wallpaper. He would later take ownership of it and run it for the next 30 years. In that time period, he met, fell in love with, and built his family with Judy Parnin, the love of his life.

Steve was funny, wise and patient. He always listened during a conversation, even if it was just you talking about how the roads were on a drive. He was quick to make you laugh with a retort, one-liner or just a silly dad joke. Even if it was not that funny, he would laugh at his own joke, and that would usually make you laugh as well. He was an enthusiastic hunter and a participatory fisherman who believed staunchly in conservation and the value of the wilderness.

From his annual Father's Day fishing trip to the couple weeks of whitetail season, or just spending time with his friends at the family shack "the Cow Palace," he was usually happiest outdoors.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Toivo Sanda; his sister Julie Dennison; and his brothers, Peter and David. He is survived by his sisters Nancy Johnson (Garth), Mary Tschida (Rob), Rose Herstad (Wayne) and Sheila Depre (Keith). They all will dearly miss him. He is also survived by his wife, Judith Sanda; his four sons, Aaron, Luke, Jacob (Emily Green) and Patrick; and his daughter, Rachel Plinski (Dustin). He is also survived by his grandson, Milo Toivo Plinski, his newest love who carries on the "Toivo" name and brightens a room just like his grandfather did. Steve adored Milo and spending time with him, even when telling him to "take it eeeeasy" while he was flinging toys and grabbing his glasses or beard. Steve will also be deeply missed by the many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and innumerable daycare children to whom he was "Big Steve."

He always had time for you, especially if you were one of the children in his life. Whether it was driving the boat so every son, daughter, niece, nephew, friend of a friend and kid down the road could go tubing, or just patiently playing the "ABC Song" or "Halloween Song" for the kids at daycare as many times as they asked, he had time for it. He was always patient and always found joy in the children in his life, and they found joy in him.

We love you, Friend. We love you, Brother. We love you, Dad. I love you, Grandpa. I love you, Husband.

A memorial visitation and service were held April 1 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. To sign an online registry, visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.