Robert Sanftner

Robert M. Sanftner, age 86, of Mankato, died Friday, April 9, 2004 at Immanuel-St. Josephs Hospital in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Karl Voelker, S.J. officiating. Burial in Calvary Cemetery, Mankato. Visitation will be held from 4"8 p.m., Monday at Mankato Mortuary with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation continues one hour before services at the church on Tuesday.

Robert was born September 29, 1917 to Paul and Ida (Ulmen) Sanftner in Ladysmith, WI. Robert was united in marriage to Elvera Herz on November 14, 1956 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. He farmed all his life in Mankato and the surrounding area (Madison Lake and Gaylord). Robert was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Catholic Aid Association. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Elvera of Mankato; three daughters, Barbara Swanson of Mankato, Rosemary (Milton W.) Burgess of Mankato, Janet Sanftner of Farmington, MN; four grandchildren, Robert (Paige) Swanson, Michael Swanson, Ashley and Jacob Burgess all of Mankato; two step-grandchildren, Thomas (Melissa) Swanson of Mankato, Dawn (Emmett) Nelson of Hermantown; three step-great-grandchildren, Brandon and Kaitlyn Swanson of Mankato, William Nelson of Hermantown; four sisters, Genevieve Connor of Madison Lake, Mary (Robert) Willaert of St. Peter, Rosella (Art) Branch of Oak Park, MN, Marcella (Herb) Branch of Minnetonka, MN; one brother, Russell (Glenda) Sanftner of Mora, MN; sister-in-law, Eleanor Salfer of Mankato; brother-in-law, John P. Huettl of Mankato; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.