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Sidney Santema Obituary – 4/29/2016


Sidney John Santema, age 87, of Cokato, passed away Friday, April 29, 2016.

He was born Aug. 15, 1928, in Bogus Brook Township of Mille Lacs County, to John and Bertha Santema. Sidney was baptized as an infant, and became a member of Pease Christian Reform Church in 1950.

He attended grade school in District 36, grades 1 through 4, and finished his education in Pease Christian School.

Sid was drafted into the United States Army in January of 1950.

He was united in marriage to Frances Strating Dec. 26, 1951, and they made their home in Daleville, AL.

After being discharged from the Army with the rank of sergeant, Sid and Fran moved to Milaca, MN in October of 1952.

In 1953, Sid worked as an apprentice butter maker in Pease, MN. They then moved to Day, MN in 1956, where Sid managed the Day Creamery and was honored as the state’s youngest butter maker, receiving many awards.

In 1958, they moved to Braham, where Sid managed the Braham Co-op Creamery; and in 1967, moved to Cokato to manage the C & H Ag. Service, until Sid’s retirement in August of 1993.

After retiring, Sid worked several years for Terning Seeds Company.

He served as a volunteer fireman in Braham and Cokato, for a total of 26 years; and was an active member of the Elim Mission Church in Cokato.

Sid is survived by his wife, Fran; children, Michael (Teri) Santema of Inver Grove Heights, Sandra (John) Henz of Sauk Rapids, and Steven (Merla) Santema of Cokato; grandsons Patrick Henz and Tim Santema; two step-grandsons, Brett Henz and Jon Benson; and his brother, John, of Pease.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harris; and a sister, Alice Mosley.

A memorial service took place Wednesday, May 4 at 11 a.m. at Elim Mission Church in Cokato, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements were with Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cokato, www.swansonpeterson.com.

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