Jeffrey (Jeff) Darren Sanders

Jeffrey (Jeff) Darren Sanders, 55 years old, of Lanesboro, Minn., transitioned home with his savior Jesus on November 7, 2024.

Jeffrey was born to Jerry Sanders and Susanne Mercier in Summit, N. J., on August 13, 1969 and grew up in Phoenix, Ariz.  He was the youngest of four children and was grateful for his relationships with his brothers Jerry and Jim and with his sister Julie over his lifetime.  Eventually, Jeff became a “transplant” to Lanesboro from Arizona and quickly became an active part of the local music and arts community. A local business owner and an active community member, Jeff was known for his playful, kind, gentle, and compassionate qualities.  He was recently united in marriage with Ciara Fawn. Jeff and Ciara often enjoyed sharing music, family, friends, Lanesboro, love, playfulness, and laughter with one another.  

Jeff had a bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University and was a licensed counselor in addition to being a substitute teacher in the local area.  He owned Bluffscape Amish Tours and was passionate about guiding tours to introduce and share the diverse Amish community to visitors;  this led to Jeff developing many special relationships with members from the Amish community.  Jeff was active in the Root River Community Church and served as a Worship Team leader, sharing his incredible and dynamic musical talents.  He was truly a musical savant and was proficient in a multitude of instruments including guitar (electric, acoustic, and bass) and drums.  He shared these talents in many aspects of his life and was a proud founding member of River Crossing, a popular local band.  Jeffrey enjoyed hosting open mic, flying kites, playing frisbee, watching and listening to the “Greatest Showman” movie, and competing in Jenga matches, along with companionship from his cats Banjo Bill and Tequila Kiki, and dog Kona.  

Jeff has been thankful for many special friends throughout his life. Jeffrey is survived by his wife Ciara Fawn (Lanesboro, Minn), brother Jerry and Christine Sanders (Chicago, Ill.),  brother Jim and Tina Sanders (Prescott, Ariz.) and sister Julie Sanders and Mike Klausman (Portland, Oreg.).  

He was preceded in death by his mother Susanne Mercier, and by his father Jerry Sanders.

A Celebration of Jeff’s Life event will be planned for December in Lanesboro, Minn.;,date and time to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made in Jeffrey’s honor to Root River Community Church or to your local church’s music programs.  

Lastly, one of Jeff’s life mottos he lived by: “Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid not to try.”