Michael Gordon Sanders

BESSEMER, Mich. - Michael "Mike" Sanders, of Bessemer, passed away on Jan. 2, 2024, at the age of 53.

Mike was born Dec. 17, 1970, the son of Niles and Ingeborg "Inga" Sanders. He attended Ramsay School and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1988.

Mike grew up in Bessemer, raised on the family campground, Alpine Campground and worked there most of his life. He also worked for Powderhorn Ski Resort, Rose Wreath and Indianhead Mountain.

As a child, Mike played youth hockey with the Wakefield Chiefs with his brother. As teenager, he was a talented self-taught drummer and played events around the U.P. and northern Wisconsin with the band Special Edition.

Mike is survived by his mother, Ingeborg Sanders, of Bessemer; sister, Tanja Sanders, of Ironwood; and Detlef (Beverly) Liedtke, of Wakefield. He is also survived by his sister in-law, LuAnn (late Ted) Sanders, of Weston, Wisconsin; nieces, Kara (Corey), of Wausau, and their children, Eliana, Rylan, and Emalyn, Molly (Diana), of Wausau and Bria, of Weston; niece, Sam; and nephew Erich, of Ironwood. He is further survived by several cousins.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Niles Sanders; brother, Ted Sanders; grandparents, Edward and Catherine Sanders, and Erich and Herta "Mutti" Liedtke.

Mike was an avid Packer fan and enjoyed watching football and basketball games. He loved the band Rush and casino trips with family and friends. He also enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July with family and friends when he could sneak away from the campground.

He will be sorely missed. No services are planned at this time, a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family.