Gerald William Sanders, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on January 26, 2026, at the Sanford Hospital in his hometown of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Born on February 4, 1935, Gerald was a lifelong resident of Thief River Falls, where he dedicated his life to various pursuits that highlighted his passion for the outdoors and community engagement.

Gerald attended country school and Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls. Throughout his life, he was committed to a variety of jobs that resonated with his interests. His career included singing in a band, farming, and selling cars. He worked at Northern Pride and for the City of Thief River Falls in the Park and Recreation Department. Those who knew him recognized his unwavering love for nature; whether he was mowing grass, creating vibrant flower beds, or planting a garden, Gerald found joy in the simple pleasures of outdoor life. In his later years, he took great delight in supervising an outdoor warming house, where he cherished interacting with children and witnessing their talents on the ice.

Gerald was deeply passionate about music and made it a point to attend every band concert and summer marching band event that his children participated in. His enthusiasm extended beyond family, as he was a regular at the Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, Minnesota. There, collecting toy tractors became a cherished annual ritual, as he looked forward to discovering the special highlight tractor each year. The tradition continued as his family grew, turning the event into a cherished opportunity for gatherings that included pizza and swimming parties with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories over the past 18 years.

In addition to his love for music and family outings, Gerald enjoyed several hobbies, including deer hunting, ice fishing, and fishing at Lake of the Woods during the summer. He had a keen interest in collecting coins and watching football. He shared many joyful moments with his wife, Marie, attending fall dinners at various locations around Thief River Falls, where they connected over their mutual appreciation for current events and community happenings.

Gerald is survived by his devoted wife, Marie; their son, Scott; their daughter, Jaynae (Jason) Haugen; and their cherished grandchildren, Kaylee, Grace, and Matthew Haugen. He is also survived by his brother, DelRay (Diane) Sanders; his sister, Sharon Dawson; his brother-in-law, Jeff (Nancy) Stanina; and many beloved nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mabel Sanders; an infant sister, Marilyn Sanders; his grandparents, Sanders and Isaacson; his mother-in-law, Ann Stanina; his father-in-law, Walter Stanina; as well as sisters-in-law, Sandra (Haven) Johnson and Shirley Stanina and a brother-in-law, Gary Dawson.

Gerald William Sanders will be remembered as a kind-hearted individual whose legacy of love, music, and laughter will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held this June, with date and location to be announced.

We will forever be grateful for the doctors, nurses, Hospice staff, home health staff, EMS staff, first responders, and all the staff at the Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN, for the continuous care that was provided to Gerald in his last few weeks of life. They made sure he was comfortable and at peace while in their care.