S anford Bingen, 87, of Colome, South Dakota and formerly of Kennebec, South Dakota passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

Sanford Merl Bingen was born at Presho, South Dakota on August 20, 1929 to George and Charlotte (Croston) Bingen.  He had six brothers and one sister.  On October 15, 1953 he married Geraldine (Gerry) Austin and to this union four children were born.

Sanford served in the Marine Corp from 1951 - 1953 and was a lifetime member of the Colome American Legion.  Sanford always said he was a "jack of all trades and a master of none"!  His passion was farming and he spent many years on the family farm south of Kennebec, South Dakota.  In 1994 they moved to Colome and he worked for Grossenburg Implement in Winner, South Dakota until his retirement at the age of 80.  He loved fishing, camping playing horseshoes and enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, a quiet gentle man and a friend to all.

Sanford is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gerry; his daughter, Geneva (Carl) Westergren of Colome, SD; his son Shane (Shirley) Bingen of Ideal, SD and daughter Payla (Jim) Toyne of Yankton, SD.  Grandchildren Amelia Westergren, Ben (Lana) Westergren, Cally (Cody) Westergren, Marty (Kati) Bingen, Trisha (Cory) Assman, Tyler Toyne and Jesse Toyne.  Twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a special son, Joel (Kim) Bingen.  He is also survived by one brother George (Elsie) Bingen of Pollock Pines, CA.

Sanford was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Desiree; his parents, George and Charlotte, his sister Thelma, brothers: Oscar, Roy, Charles, Ernest and Noel and numerous family members and friends.