Clifford Sanders Sr.

Glenburn

Clifford Sanders Sr., 78, Glenburn, ND, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023, at a Minot hospital.

Cliff Sanders Sr. was born on July 13, 1944 to Harold Sr. and Laura (Carlson) Sanders at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND. He was raised on the family farm in Waterford Township, ND alongside his siblings. He attended school until 7th grade at a rural 1-room school-house. He then finished his schooling at Minot High, graduating in 1962. After graduation he remained on the family farm and worked for the Brooks Ranch in Burlington for a short period of time.

Cliff was born with livestock in his veins. His love for livestock only grew as he grew. He and his brother, Lyle, began to farm and raise registered shorthorn cattle together. Cliff also fostered his love of animals and began to raise pigs and sheep.

In 1969, Cliff welcomed his first-born son, William Harold. Shortly after Marvin Brian arrived in 1971. Then in 1976, Clifford Ray Jr was born. He began to raise his 3 boys on a farm southwest of his parent’s farm. While raising his boys he instilled in them the same love and respect for livestock that he had been raised with. In 1977, John Sutcliffe came into Cliff’s life, and without even blinking – Cliff had a fourth son and raised him as his own.

Cliff never moved far from home. In 1982, he began his own farm only 3 miles northeast of the family farm. He always had a love for horses, and after establishing the farm, Sweetwater Stables was born. Cliff boarded horses as well as had a riding stable for people to come out and enjoy the horses as much as he did. It was his love for horses that ultimately brought him the love of his life.

Cliff met Linda in 1984 when she visited the stables with friends. This chance encounter led to their marriage on August 30, 1985. When Cliff married Linda, he also gained his one and only daughter, Danielle Marie. Cliff and Linda welcomed their youngest son, James Nicholas in 1986. Now their family was complete.

After their time with the stables, Cliff and Linda began to raise black angus cattle. He also began to work at Northern Livestock Auction in 1986. He continued there until 1996.

Throughout his entire life, Cliff worked alongside his “chosen brother” and best friend Marvy Mariner working several odd jobs to include raising cattle, drilling wells and fixing wells, which led Cliff to begin his own company, Cliff’s Well Service after he left Northern Livestock. While running his well service, Cliff cut a wide swath and gained a large number of friends, many who became like family.

In 2013, Cliff discovered his retirement plan and began to raise Texas Longhorn Cattle. He raised the cattle he came to love as much as his own kids. He also welcomed 17 grandkids and 7 great-grandkids. When Cliff became a Grandpa, he found a love he didn’t know existed. Cliff continued both his business and raising Longhorns until his passing. He is no longer cold, tired, and hungry.

His loving family includes: wife of 37 years, Linda; children, John (Sandy) Sutcliffe, Stanchfield, MN, William H. Sanders, Minot, Marvin (Toni) Sanders, Glenburn, ND, Clifford R. (Ladina) Sanders Jr., Clifford, ND, James N. Sanders, Minot, ND Danielle M. (Mike) Peppard, Lansford, ND; grandchildren, Brian (LeAnne) Sutcliffe, Josh Sutcliffe, Andy Sutcliffe, William Sanders Jr., Tyler Apman, Hailey Becker, Jayden Christensen, Wyatt Sanders, Terrah King, Zach Adams, Erick Adams, Cianah (Carter) Sanders, Cristyen Peppard, Jonathon Peppard, Mikaela Peppard, JoseLynne Griffin; several great-grandchildren; brother, Lyle (JoAnn) Sanders, Glenburn; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Vivian Sanders and Beatrice Brooks, brothers Jim Sanders and Harold Sanders Jr., father and mother-in-law Jack and Rhoda Polen, infant brother Craig Sanders, and chosen brother Marvy Mariner.

Funeral: Friday, February 17, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at Bread of Life Church, Minot.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, and Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: are preferred to Mohall Ambulance or KHRT Radio 1320 A.m.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 15, 2023.