John Sanchez

John (Juan) Sanchez, 82, a resident of rural Erhard, Minnesota, died Saturday, September 22, 2007 at his home under care of Lakeland Hospice. He was born November 19, 1924, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Francisco Marcus and Felipita (Sena) Sanchez. As a child the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he graduated from high school. He completed his B.S. Degree in Health Education from the University of New Mexico. He taught Physical Education in the Albuquerque elementary schools. He continued his education during this time doing summer courses at the University of Wisconsin, eventually completing a Master's Degree in Science Education from U of W, Madison. In 1959 he completed his Law Degree from Georgetown University of Washington D.C. He practiced law in Albuquerque, later working as an attorney for the Equal Opportunity Commission. He then became the Assistant District Attorney in Clayton, New Mexico. In the mid 1990's he retired to Minnesota, making his home on Long Lake of rural Erhard. From 1943 - 1946 he served in the Army Air Corp as a radar mechanic. He was first married to Cordelia Chavez. The couple had two children. He then married Marilyn Stroschein. To this union were born four children. John was an active member of the Fergus Falls Senior Citizens and was a passionate Democrat. He enjoyed reading and keeping up with current events, sending letters to the editor at the Fergus Falls Daily Journal. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, of rural Erhard; two daughters: Margaret Ortiz of Albuquerque, NM and Selena (Kane) Swetnam of McKinney, TX; four sons: Ken Sanchez of Santa Fe, NM, Christian (Kristiane) Sanchez of Hopkins, MN, Ernie (Julie) Sanchez of Fergus Falls, and Fred (Arica) Sanchez of Erhard; twelve grandchildren: Christina, Emily, Austin, Mason, Evan, Easton, Kate, Leo, Taylor, Hayden, Toni and Parker; and two great-grandchildren; one brother Eduard Sanchez of Santa Fe, NM; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Elizabeth?s Catholic Church, Elizabeth, Minnesota Officiant: Father Stanley Wieser Interment: Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, New Mexico Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com