Dale Henry Sander

Dale Henry Sander , 76, of Bismarck, North Dakota, and formerly of Grand Forks, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dale was born on October 12, 1948 in Grafton, North Dakota to Vernon and Ethel (Lykken) Sander. He often joked that his birthday fell on Columbus Day. Dale grew up in Grafton, attending country school and graduating from Grafton High School in 1966. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, with a minor in Psychology, from Mayville State University. Dale’s career spanned sales and marketing in the automotive and insurance industries, first in Minneapolis and later in Grand Forks. He moved to Bismarck in 2022.

Dale married Diane Quam in Cavalier, North Dakota on June 28, 1974. Together, they raised two children, Molly and Michael, both of whom brought Dale great pride as they grew into successful, accomplished adults.

Dale was an active member of his community, belonging to the Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Rotary, and Holy Family Catholic Church. In retirement, he and Diane spent 12 winters in Sunland Springs Village, Mesa, Arizona, where they forged lasting friendships that felt like family. They spent their time enjoying golf, fishing, travel, and more. Dale enjoyed country music, fishing, airplanes, classic cars, yard work, and cheering on Sioux hockey. He had a wide circle of friends and was known for his sense of humor, often telling jokes.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Diane; his daughter, Molly; and his son, Michael. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Brian Howell; his grandson, Brayden Howell; his brother, Darryl (Arlys); his uncle and brother-in-law, Dean Lykken; his aunt and sister-in-law, Connie Lykken; his special Uncle Norman; and his niece, Lynda Risan, along with nephews Blake Sander and Bradley and Steven Lykken.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Sunland Springs Village in Mesa, AZ and in Grand Forks, ND at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dale and Diane Sander Endowment at the UND Alumni Association at http://give.undalumni.org/ and 3501 University Avenue, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202 or to the Bismarck Cancer Center at www.bismarckcancercenter.com/foundation/ .

A loving tribute video to Dale is available through this link: Dad

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.