Burial will be at a later date in the Bethel Cemetery, rural Claire City. Military honors were provided by the Eddie Robertson American Legion Post 76 of Veblen. Honorary pallbearers were Sanford’s nieces and nephews. Active pallbearers were Jessica Buss, Gus Buss, Sophie Anderson, Gavin Vig, Michael Cano, and Jack Cano.

The Eggers Funeral Home in Rosholt was in charge of the arrangements.

Sanford Thomas Vig was born on March 19, 1930, in Norway Township near Claire City, SD, to Alfred and Sophie (Salveson) Vig. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church, Claire City, SD.

Sanford’s first language was Norwegian. He attended Norway #5, a one-room country school, through eighth grade. He attended high school in Veblen, SD. When his father became ill, he left school to help run the family farm. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Sanford made farming his life’s work.

Sanford enlisted in the United States Army on April 9, 1953, and served at Fort Lewis, WA, during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on April 8, 1955, earning the National Defense Service Medal.

On October 24, 1959, Sanford was united in marriage to Darlene Olstad at Grace Lutheran Church in Sisseton, SD. Together they raised a daughter, Lori, and a son, Brian. Sanford lived his life the only way he knew—up early, working hard, and offering his ready smile and familiar laugh to those around him. To his family, he will always be “Saffy,” the name spoken around the kitchen table and in the fields he cherished. He took great pride in seeing Brian become the fourth generation to join him in the farming operation. Farming was Sanford’s way of life. He enjoyed all aspects of tilling the fields, growing crops and harvesting the fruits of his labor. Black Angus cattle and John Deere machinery were his passion.

Sanford belonged to the Eddie Robertson American Legion Post 76 of Veblen, was an REA minuteman and a sexton of the Bethel Cemetery Association, and was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Veblen.

Sanford loved people and never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and within minutes he knew their story. He was an avid sports fan, cheering for the Veblen Cardinals basketball team and once serving as an honorary coach. His enthusiasm for professional and college sports—especially the Minnesota Twins, Golden Gophers, Timberwolves, and Vikings—continued throughout his life. In his 80s, he enjoyed attending games at the new stadiums for both the Twins and the Vikings.

In 1999, Sanford and Darlene traced their Norwegian roots with a trip to Norway.

Sanford is survived by his wife of 66 years, Darlene of Rosholt, SD; children, Lori (David) of Alexandria, MN, and Brian (Anne) of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Jessica (Gus) Buss, Sophie (fiancé Ethan) Anderson, Gavin Vig, Madeline Cano, Natalie Cano, Michael Cano, and Jack Cano; sister-in-law, Phyllis Vig of Dilworth, MN; brother-in-law, Stuart Ystebo of Fargo, ND; as well as many other beloved nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Sophie; sisters, Lorayne (Harold) Lien, Janet (Laurel) Pistorius, and LaVerna Ystebo; and a brother, Marlin Vig.

A special thank you to the entire staff at the Sanford Hospice House for the kind and compassionate care they provided Sanford.

Memorials are preferred to be directed to the Bethel Cemetery Association.