Alan “Al” James Sanborn, age 74, of Moran, Michigan, died on February 18, 2024, at the Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace, Michigan. He was born on July 2, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Mack and Martha (Denning) Sanborn.
Al grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School with the Class of 1967. He attended Northern Michigan University, where he met Karen Niemela and earned his bachelor’s in social work. They married on March 24, 1973, and Al was hired by the State of Michigan Department of Social Services, and they moved to St. Ignace to settle and raise their family. Al retired from the Department of Social Services in 2002 to enjoy his family and life.
Al was a member of the Straits Evangelical Free Church. Al was very involved with the church serving on various church councils, choirs, and youth leaders. Al was also a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization.
Al was an avid, diehard MSU fan! He loved being outdoors, gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, and boating (even with the struggle of getting it started). Al had a great sense of humor and a gift to gab and would talk your ear off! He was a very beautiful, compassionate human being with a heart of gold. He helped many people over the years who he met through work.
Al is survived by his wife, Karen; sons, Adam (Michelle) Sanborn of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Benjamin (Jessica) Sanborn of Wanikee, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Eden Sanborn, Peyton Sanborn and Trenton Sanborn; sisters-in-law, Sandy Sanborn of Portage, Michigan, Carol Sanborn of Cadillac, Michigan, and Lori Sanborn of Orlando, Florida; brothers-in-law, Gary (Liisa) Niemela of Marquette, Michigan, Dennis (Sue) Niemela of Hudson, Wisconsin, John (Kris) Niemela of Wakefield, Michigan; and Jim Niemela of Wakefield; as well as many nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Martha; brothers, Craig Sanborn, Howard Sanborn and Larry Sanborn; brother-in-law, Doug Niemela; niece, Dawn Nielson; and nephew, Eric Sanborn.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at the Straits Evangelical Free Church, 324 1st St, St Ignace, MI 49781, on Saturday, February 24th from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The Memorial Service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM.
The final resting place will be at Brevort Township Cemetery in Moran, Township.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
