Obituary of Dell Ray Sanko

Dell Ray Sanko of Chaska, MN passed away peacefully with his wife by his side at Hennepin County Medical Center on July 10th, 2021 following a traumatic brain injury. Dell was born September 21st, 1966 in Virginia MN. He is survived by his wife, Heather; son, Trenton (Serena), and granddaughter Evelyn Sanko, of Chaska, MN; parents, Rodney and Janet Sanko of Sawyer, MN; siblings Cory (Erin) of Winona, MN; Jay (Karman) of Cloquet, MN; Garrett (Melissa) of Ladysmith, WI; Brett Sanko of Carlton County, MN; Cherie Brungardt of Fort White, FL; three nephews and two nieces.

Dell started working with his father as a certified real estate appraiser in 1998, and later continued his career as a residential appraiser, first for Carlton County, Scott County, and finally Carver County. He also served as a Business Applications Manager for the City of Minneapolis Assessor’s Office from 2016-2019. Dell genuinely enjoyed his job and enjoyed seeing new sights and beautiful homes during the course of his work. He loved to help others understand what made buildings valuable and shared his love of architecture and nature with his family and friends.

Dell had a passion for painting with watercolors and oil pastels, and spent countless hours developing pieces for others to enjoy. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on May 26th 1984, and held dearly a hope that he often shared with others – being able to enjoy all these things in a future paradise here on earth. About this future time, Isaiah 65:21 says, “They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage.” We look forward to being reunited with Dell, confident that the God he served who is “great and is mighty in power [whose] understanding is beyond measure” will bring him back to life in due time. (Psalm 147:5; Acts 24:15) Dell loved his family and cherished his friends, always striving to bring a smile to their faces and provide help when others were in need. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.

For the safety of family and friends, a memorial service is planned to be held virtually on July 31st 2021. Please visit www.dellsanko.com for more details.