Carl Anton Sante, Jr., age 93, passed away on June 20, 2025, at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield, South Dakota.
Carl was born on December 19, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Carl H. and Hermine Sante, both German immigrants. After completing his freshman year of high school, he moved with his parents to Redfield to be closer to family. Carl often helped his father in the family’s painting and wallpapering business, developing a strong work ethic and keen attention to detail.
As the firstborn American in his family, Carl was fluent in German—a skill in 1952 that led to a unique Army assignment in Germany during the Korean War. He was one of only two men in his unit assigned to Germany rather than Korea. While stationed there, he met his future wife, Erika R. Hoefer. They were married on July 17, 1955, and to this union three children were born: Shirley, Bonnie, and David.
After returning to Redfield, Carl began a nearly 40-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. He was the last full-time mail carrier within the city and was known for walking an average of ten miles a day, five days a week. Carl had a deep love for dogs and was warmly greeted by hundreds of them during his long mail route—a joy that lasted his entire career.
When he wasn’t delivering mail, Carl continued in his father’s footsteps—painting homes and businesses throughout the area. It is said, without much exaggeration, that Carl painted nearly every structure in town at some point during his 93 years.
On May 28, 1994, Carl married Donna Glasford. Together, they spent years enjoying travel, visiting friends and family, and sharing a life filled with companionship and care.
Carl was a kind and humble man who often gave more than he received. He was known for his reliability, quiet kindness, and dedication to the community he served. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
He is survived by his children: Shirley (Greg) Swanson, Bonnie (Chris) Brinegar, and David (Ruth) Sante; grandchildren Rueben Bolton and Trevor (Sigrid) Swanson; great-grandson Charles Roland Swanson; his stepchildren: Kent (Elsa) Glasford, Barry (Sandra) Glasford, Aaron (Brenda) Glasford, Shaun Glasford, and Noel (Heather) Glasford, and his stepdaughter in law Rebecca Glasford Stangl and her son Sam Glasford. He is also survived by Donna’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Monday, June 30, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. His funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM with Pastor Adrian Timmons officiating. Inurnment, with military honors, will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.
Carl’s funeral will be live-streamed with a link on the funeral home’s website below his obituary. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).
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