Dean Willis Sanders

Dean W. Sanders age 86 of Detroit Lakes, MN died Monday July 18, 2016 at his residence, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Dean Willis Sanders was born July 5, 1930 in St. Paul, MN to Ray and Lillian (Solee) Sanders. As a young boy his family moved to Colfax, ND where he grew up and received his education, graduating from Colfax High School in 1948. He served in the United States Navy from 1950-1952 aboard the U.S.S. Oriskany. Following his discharge from the Navy he returned to Fargo where he worked for the Daveau Music Co. and the Burroughs Corp. On July 2, 1955 he was united in marriage to Marlene Molgard in Fargo, ND. They made their home in Detroit Lakes where they owned and operated Lakes Office Equipment for twenty five years, and also Aggressive Realty, and Sanders’ Insurance Agency. Dean was actively involved in the local and regional Jaycees and the County Republican Organization. He was a loan officer for twelve years at the Northern National Bank in Pelican Rapids, MN, and most recently a real estate broker and insurance agent. Dean was a founding member of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church LCMC, and dearly loved his new church family as well as his former church family at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. He loved woodworking and refurbishing antique farm implements. He also built many train sets over the years for his grandchildren and many other kids. He raised and showed Appalossa Horses with his children. He was an avid baseball fan. He enjoyed the Twins, coached youth baseball, and as a young adult played town baseball. Dean is survived by his wife, Marlene; one son Jeffrey (Mary) Sanders, of Shoreview, MN; one daughter, Debra Koepp, of Belle Plaine, MN; four grandchildren, Libby Sanders, Lauren (Matt) Rowe, Audrey Sanders, and Bruce (Allison) Koepp; three great grandchildren, Landon, Dominic, and Hazel; four brothers, Jack (Pat) Sanders, of Beaufort, SC; David Sanders, of Fargo, ND; Art Sanders, of Fargo, ND; and Ken (Penny) Sanders, of Clifton, CO; two sisters, Ila (Bernie) Larson, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Rae Sanders, of Fargo, ND; and several nieces and nephews. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary and Mae; and one brother, Don Sanders.