May 28, 1936 - February 23, 2010
Milton L. Sannes Obituary
(Age 73)
Spokane resident for 66 years, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 after an attempt to win a courageous battle against cancer. He was born May 28, 1936 in Sandpoint, ID to Ben and Dolly Sannes and the family moved to Spokane when he was seven years old. His parents preceded him in death. He attended Edison and Longfellow Elementary schools and graduated in 1954 from John Rogers High School. He was hired by Pacific Northwest Bell (later U.S. West) in November 1955 and completed 35 years service there beginning as a splicer in the construction division then moving on to the Engineering Department designing projects and obtaining right of way both in Spokane and various surrounding areas of Washington as well as in and around Lewiston, Idaho. During this time he completed individual college courses at Spokane Community College. He was a member of the Washington Air National Guard 141st Ftr Squadron for nine years being honorably discharged in 1962. He was still active in the Telephone Pioneer group, and the Spokane Eagles Aerie #2. He was previously a member of the Shadle Lions Club and held office as President for one year. More recently he had been an active member of the Inland Empire Model A Car Club and the Navy League of U.S., Spokane Council. With all club affiliations Milt had been an active volunteer. After taking early retirement from U.S. West, he did telephone engineering and right of way work for NCCI and STCI finally retiring in 1998. He found time to go night fishing with the grandchildren at Loon Lake and whether he was fishing in Norway, the Atlantic Ocean or salmon fishing in Alaska, he was happy. Milt is survived by his wife Charlene whom he married on September 2, 1955; son Mark Sannes (Sandi), of Spokane Valley, WA; three daughters, Lori Griffith, (John) of Cashmere, WA, Diane Draper (Jay) of Kennewick, WA, Jill Ross (Stephan Reckie) of Golden, CO; nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Reed and Jack Draper, Leah Griffith, Ashley, Garrett and Stephanie Ross, Cameron and Marissa Sannes. As the youngest of seven children, two of his sisters, Marylu Wilson and Wanda Schimmels have preceded him in death. He is survived by two sisters, Velda Bell (Bob), Keizer, OR, Norma Verstelle (Bill), Spokane, WA; two brothers, Keith Sannes (Doreen), Colville, WA, K. Larry Sannes (Darlene), Spokane, WA. Other survivors include sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Ken Nodland of Spokane Valley, WA; numerous nieces and nephews and many close relatives in Norway. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home with graveside services following at Riverside Memorial Park.
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