Romuald Sand

Romuald A. "Romie" Sand, age 72 of Melrose died Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at the Melrose Area Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am, Saturday, September 23, 2006 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 pm and Saturday from 8 to 9:30 am at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be 7:30 pm Friday at the funeral home in Melrose.

Romuald Sand was born Dec. 27, 1933 in Grove Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Peter and Elizabeth (Thull) Sand. He graduated from the Melrose High School where he played on the baseball team. He served in the US Army during the Cold War. Romie played with and managed the New Munich Baseball Team. After his army service, he farmed north of Melrose. Romie was a very avid sports fan, and followed all the local sports especially football and baseball. He donated to St. Mary's Catholic School.

Survivors include his brothers and sisters, Marcella Fichtinger (Ralph) of New Munich, Bertilla Caspers (John) of Melrose, Alquin Sand of Melrose, Lee Sand (Rita) of St. Cloud, and Severin Sand (Genevieve) of St. Cloud; brother-in-law, Art Hopfer of New Munich; sister-in-law, Shirley Sand of Paynesville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Elizabeth Sand; brothers and sisters, Alvin Sand, Clarence Sand, infant Rosina Sand, Elmer Sand and Rosella Hopfer.

Serving as casket bearers will be Adam and Shane Kampsen, Timothy and Robert Hopfer, Philip and Steven Caspers, Paul Fichtinger and Todd Sand. Cross bearer will be Joel Caspers and Scripture bearer will be Gary Fichtinger. Serving as honorary bearers will be Romie's nieces and nephews.