Stephen Wayne Sanford, 64, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

He was born April 9, 1951, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Wayne A. and Evelyn R. (Johnson) Sanford. After graduating from Winona High School in 1969, Stephen attended Winona State University where he earned his degree in Elementary Education in 1974. He taught third grade for 39 years in Austin, at Shaw Elementary School and later at Southgate Elementary School, before his retirement. On July 31, 1976, he was united in marriage to Shirley Lewis in Mound, Minnesota. The couple raised three children. Stephen’s special interests included sharing his love and knowledge of history, military airplanes, reading, helping deliver Meals on Wheels, and he was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. Stephen treasured the time he could spend with his friends and family.

Survivors include his wife Shirley Sanford of Austin, Minnesota; his children: Tim Sanford of Lauderdale, Minnesota, Becky (Matt) Bungum of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Jeff Sanford of Austin, Minnesota; four grandchildren: Ava, Olivia, Gretchen and Colin Bungum; two sisters: Sharon (Don) Dahlin of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and Valerie (Steve) Laak of Brainerd, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Evelyn Sanford.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at Crane Community Chapel in Austin with Pastor Dale Christianson officiating. There will be a visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery at a later date. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.