LeAnn Marie Sannes (Erickson)

LeAnn Marie (Erickson) Sannes was born on November 9, 1950 in Alexandria, MN and died on August 12, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN from a very aggressive form of cancer- anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Lee grew up in Henning, MN and then went to Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN, where she met the love of her life, Vance. She caught his eye on campus, and when he complimented her on her shoes, she thought he was making fun of them and told him to shut up, which was a running joke during their 55 years of marriage.

After they got married, she took a break from college to raise their two children, Colin and Robin. When Robin started kindergarten, she returned to college, taking classes while they were in school. She was a very dedicated mother, focusing on her studies while they were at school and focusing on family during non-school hours. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Moorhead State University and passed the entire C.P.A. exam on her first attempt, which is a huge accomplishment.

During her career, she served on many boards including the Idaho Society of Certified Public Accountants (serving a term as Chair), the National Association of Women Business Owners (serving a term as President), and the Ronald McDonald House in Boise, Idaho. She retired as a partner of the Boise, ID office of Eide Bailly in 2014 and then she and Vance moved to Blaine, MN to be closer to their grandchildren.

Lee was an amazing cook, was very skilled with a sewing machine (Robin had BARBIE® doll clothes that were the envy of her friends), loved music and singing, enjoyed playing golf, and loved watching her grandchildren’s softball and baseball games. While living in Blaine, she was an active member of the TPC ROSE, a charitable organization that organizes fundraisers to benefit local charities, until she became ill with cancer.

She had a great sense of humor. Although Vance was often credited for picking out humorous cards for people, it was likely Lee who picked out most of the cards. She was also very humble and did not correct people for making such assumptions.

With her dedication to family, her successful career, and her charitable contributions, Lee was an amazing role model for her children and grandchildren. To them, she was like a combination of Wonder Woman and Julia Childs. There are no words to describe how awesome she was; she will be greatly missed.

Lee is survived by her husband, Vance Sannes; her two children, Colin Sannes (Eula Garrison) and Robin Sannes (Scott Waters); her two grandchildren, Amelia and Jeremy; and her brother, Curt Erickson (Jackie). She is preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Elvira Erickson.

Donations in memory of Lee can be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Ronald McDonald House.