Jeff Sansaver, 63, passed away at home Sunday, April 15, 2018.
He was born June 17, 1954, son of William and Wilma, and grew up on the south side of Wolf Point, #5 in a family of 10 children.
Playing ditch, Boy Scouts and sports were a formula for the good ‘ol days, where he shared laughs and learned the values of life.
His first job was at the age of 10 and he loved to buy presents for his brothers and sisters at Christmas time.
The family moved to Seattle, Wash., when he was 15 and became the star running back in 3A high school (the largest at the time). He has many newspaper clippings which highlight his football career (which included junior college with his brother, Mark).
Jeff eventually came back to Wolf Point and enjoyed playing softball with a well known group of champs known as Dad’s Bar. They won 11/13 tournaments one year as he loved turning singles into doubles with his blazing speed. He was also the M.V.P. of a basketball tournament right around that time, scoring 55 in one game.
Work was by far the precedent for him though as his business skills really took off due to his go-getter attitude.
In 1982, he would marry his sweetheart, Barbara Jean Ediger. Three children would follow: Jesse, Alonna and Andrea.
As the pressures grew due to a new family, a boss mentality took over as he created his excavating company, “Mechanical Systems.” He worked on the Fort Peck, Crow and Pine Ridge Indian reservations. He also traveled to California, Nevada and Yellowstone National Park.
His community contributions included, but were not limited to, Wolf Point’s baseball field, football field and rodeo arena (which won best material seven years straight), also Frazer’s football field, and many days of volunteered work for churches in the area. All of this while battling Muscular Dystrophy (an atrophy of the muscles) which he became aware of in 1987.
In the winter of 1998-99, he coached the W.P. men’s basketball team that had won only two games the previous season. His leadership shined as the team made it to divisionals, only falling shy of the state tournament. His coaching techniques consisted of defensive pressure, unselfishness and thinking as a unit, because to him basketball was the game of life. He also raised what would become the 2001 b-ball team, taking them to many tourneys, often on his own dime. He was famous for calling time-outs only to make a joke and send everyone back onto the court in a tight game.
Jeff was a man of many laughs who never complained. A generous person who knew the values of what it was to be a humanitarian. He helped many people get back on their feet, even as he underwent the process of losing his own ability to stay upright. His wife became a major player in his life as they battled Muscular Dystrophy and all of its trials.
A hunter in his younger years, he turned to his front window for peace of mind. Gazing over Wolf Creek, he loved to watch the eagles fly and would sit in his wheelchair and admire nature’s beauty while his grandchildren, who he loved dearly, would crawl up his chair to sit with him. Jeff lived a full life and is undoubtedly waiting for us with a smile and a good laugh when it is our time to cross over the great threshold into the afterlife.
He is proceeded in death by his father, William; and eldest brother, Bill.
He is survived by his precious mother, Wilma “Tubby;” his wife, Barb; children, Jesse, Alonna and Andrea; four special grandchildren, Clare, Amya, Damari and Huyanna Pearl; sisters and brothers, Kyle (Darrell) Vinyard of Washington, Ross (Keri) of Wolf Point, Noel (Doreen) of Wolf Point, Debbie (Jerry) Vinyard of Washington, Brian (Janie) of California, Mark (Kelli) of Wolf Point, Alexis (John) Garsee of Washington and Kelly of Washington; along with 10 nephews, 14 nieces, 16 great-nephews and 16 great-nieces.
His funeral service will be held Friday, April 27, at 5 p.m. at the Wolf Point High School gymnasium. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.
Condolences can be left for the family by using the form below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
5:00 p.m.
Friday April 27, 2018
Wolf Point High School
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
5:00 p.m.
Friday April 27, 2018
Wolf Point High School
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Janet (Grow) Zormeir says
I am so very sorry to hear about Jeff! My love and prayers to all!❤
Donald Lee Boyd says
Jeff Sansaver Was A Wonderful Person And Will Surely Be Missed By All Prayers Going Out To The Family..
darryl ricker says
thank you for the help you showed our family over the years…God Bless
Ackie and Judy Kuntz says
So sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. Was a good friend and a great guy. Our prayers go out to Barb snd family.
Amy (Reinlasoder) Greenwood says
Jeff will truly be missed by so many! So sad to hear of his passing. My heart is with Barb, Jesse, Alonna and Annie. As well as the rest of your family! RIP Jeff
Greg Bushman says
Sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. Condolences to all.
Alice & Merlin Christensen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jeff was a amazing person. His smile lit up a room. He is gone but never forgotten
Krist Maldonado says
There are no words that I could ever say to make this better. I’m so sorry for your lost to the entire family. I am so thankful and grateful for being able to meet and get to know Uncle Jeff over the years. He was a great guy. No doubt he will be missed and no doubt he will never be forgotten. Sending all our love to you all and sending light to help guide you through this difficult time. We wish we could be there with all of you today and are definitely thinking about you all.
Alexa Mountfort, Kathleen Sansaver and Christopher Sansaver says
We know that Jeff was well loved and respected. He had great character and a big heart. Our sympathy is with you all during the time of loss.
EllSosa says
Our family was saddened to hear of the passing of Jeff. We hope that many fond memories will lift you during your sad times and comforting words will give you the strength to cope with your thoughts in the days, months, and years to come. During our recent loss, we took to heart encouraging information found at jw .org. (Search: loss of loved one video) There you’ll find answers as to why we lose our dear loved ones and the hope of our reunion soon to come, something we can all look forward too. May God continue to comfort you during this time.
Steve and Sue Mudd says
This is a beautiful tribute. We send loving thoughts and prayers and our deepest condolences to the entire Sansaver family. We’re happy to have met such a wonderful man and his family.
Anne Bobincheck says
So very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Sending love and hugs to your family, and sincere prayers that God will comfort you all in this time of sorrow.
Joyce (Jackley} Baer says
My sincere heartfelt condolences to the family. My prayer is for a cure for MD to found so that other families won’t have to endure what you have,
Marg & John Gysler says
Words are hard to come for Jeff gave WORDS & a smile to a well thought discussion. Fun & exciting to visit & share what’s new & plans ahead for our community. Generous & comfortable were our play by play battle on your discussions . Coming from large family always means the more the merrier. Jeff gave more & may Barb & kids & grands always share his wisdom.
Jessica Jimison says
Barb and family, my love and prayers are with you at this hard time. May the peace of the Lord find you…
Jim & Feryl Patch says
So truly sorry for your loss. ?⛩
Patricia Bartlett says
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. My thoughts, prayers and love to the Sansaver family. Also sending Wilma a big hug. Love you all Pat and family in Canada
Tim Cody says
Rest well, my brother! Keep the half rack cold and we will crack it and share stories once again!!
roy @ kathy toavs says
So very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. Our condolences to Barb and his children, Tubby and the family. He was such nice man and suffered so graciously. Now he is at peace and can play ball again. Hugs to you all.
Laurie Stolen Suppes says
My thoughts & prayers are with all of Marks family. He was a very special person.
Debora Bailey says
I am truly sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the Sansaver family find comfort and strength in Jesus promise along with our heavenly father Jehovah of the earthly resurrection, where death will be eliminated forever. Truly, what a glorious and unbelievable day that will be, for God cannot lie!
Pete and Nadine Loomis says
To all of my Sansaver family, Aunt Tubby, Barb and kids,
God be with all of you during this time of deep sorrow. Words cannot express how truly sorry we are for your loss. Jeff was a wonderful man, he always had a smile and a laugh.
He is now with all our other Sansaver Angels up in Heaven watching over us all.
All our love and prayers. ❤
Jennifer Gysler says
Love?, he and his family are welcoming and uplifting. I never wanted to leave once I got there. I love how they knew me and excepted. They already are as beautiful as Ester from the Bible and how they treat others makes them even more beautiful. I love you Jeff. Thank you so much for cheering my family on.? You always made me feel good about myself. I’ll pass on your kindness thank you.
Laura Christoffersen says
Barb & family,
So sorry to read of Jeff’s passing. So wonderful for him, but terrible for all of you. My prayers are with you.
Gary McGee says
Many friends from Federal Way, WA remember him from school or from the sports he played. He was a great person as a young man and truly an example of dedication and goal accomplishment. It’s not how we pass in life that matters, but how he touched the hearts of those he came in contact with. God be with you till we meet again.
Mary Dillon says
My sincere sympathy to all of Jeffs family. Your family will be in my prayers. It is comforting knowing we will see our loved ones again. Mary Dillon
Loren Boadle and family says
Our family sends their prayers and thoughts.
Law Tribe says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Barb, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Bill & Lyla Law
Grant & Mary Zerbe says
Dear Barb, Our heartfelt condolences to you & your family upon the loss of your husband & father, Jeff. We appreciate Jeff’s courage & positive attitude, as well as his love for family & community. Barb & Jeff’s marriage was a wonderful testimony of committed love. Our thoughts & prayers are with all. Praying the Lord to continue to comfort you with His wisdom, strength & love. Sincerely, Grant & Mary Zerbe
Jamie Vinyard says
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