William Stephen Sander Sr., passed away unexpectedly at his home in Rathdrum on April 15, 2015, at the age of 71. Bill was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on Aug. 2, 1943, the son of the late Walter and Rebecca (Zembower) Sander.

Bill graduated from St. Bernard's High School in 1961, and after he and two of his siblings moved their young families to Idaho, he attended college at North Idaho College and the University of Idaho. He ultimately settled in Reno, Nev., where he retired after a 30-year career as a card dealer with MGM and The Hilton casinos. For many years after retiring, Bill lived as a "snowbird" and spent the winter months at his home in Alabama.

Bill leaves his children, Laura Greene of Hayden, Idaho, Bill Sander Jr., of Redding, Calif., Michael (Sarah) Sander of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Patty (Andy) Vettrus of Viola, Idaho; grandchildren Justin, Brittany, Todd, Conner, Destrie, Colton and Sadie; his siblings: twin sister Georgia (Stacy) Carhart of Rathdrum, brother Paul (Debbie) Sander of Palm Desert, Calif., and sister Helen (Kevin) Hastie of Kennewick, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends - all of whom he loved and treasured.

Bill's Catholic faith nourished and sustained him, and he was a very devoted worshipper, along with Georgia and her family, at both St. Joseph's in Spirit Lake and St. Stanislaus' in Rathdrum, where they regularly attended Mass and he was a regular reader; he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill enjoyed his vegetable gardens, fishing, road trips and spending time with his extensive family. Playing the accordion and piano, accompanied by those in his family who also played instruments while others joyfully sang along, was the pastime he cherished most.

Bill's engaging and caring nature, bright blue eyes, sense of humor and his joyous spirit will be deeply missed.

Visitation is at 5 p.m. today, April 21, 2015, followed by the Rosary at 7 p.m. at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. The funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at St. Joseph's Church in Spirit Lake, followed by a reception at St. Stanislaus' in Rathdrum.

Please visit Bill's memorial and sign his online guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.