Delno (Del) Sand passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025 at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, AZ. Del was born on June 15, 1937 in Buxton, ND to Olive (Foss) and Peter J. Sand. He was raised on a farm near Galesburg, ND, attended country school, Stordahl Church and later graduated from Clifford High School.
Del entered the Airforce in 1955 and served the majority of his time in Thule, Greenland as a boom operator with the 40th Air Refueling Squadron. He received an honorable discharge in 1959.
Del married Gloria McLeod in 1962 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Mayville, ND. Most of their married life was spent in Grand Forks, ND, where they raised five children. Del was a highway patrolman for the state of North Dakota where he received many accolades and commendations for his exemplary service.
Del retired to Sun City, AZ, where he was the president of his condo association for many years. He was an active member of Congregational Church of Sun City where he served on several church groups.
Del was the consummate “tinkerer” and handyman. He possessed an uncanny ability to make fascinating objects out of found items and could always be counted on to help family and friends with any kind of household repair.
Del is survived by his five children: Steve (Lynn) Sand of Peoria, AZ; Greg (Rhonda) Sand of Park Rapids, MN; Jeff Sand of Caldwell, ID; Tim Sand of Mesa, AZ; and Allyson (Mike) Spier of Cedar Falls, IA; grandchildren: Cortney (Tory) Abramson; Zach Sand; Shelby (Jake) Kresel; Mitch (Ashley) Sand; Alivia Spier; and Lexi Sand; great grandchildren: Grayson Abramson, Owen and Gavin Sand, and James Kresel; siblings: Jerry (Carol) Sand, Ervin (Bertha) Sand and Leon (Shirley) Sand; sister-in-law: Darlene Sand and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; wife: Gloria; sisters: Joanne Olstad and Patty Grandalen; brother: Marvin Sand and many special aunts, uncles and friends.
Consistent with his life of service and generosity, Del has graciously donated his body to the Research for Life Bequest Program in Phoenix, AZ, for the advancement of science and education.
Per Del’s wishes, memorials may be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
A summertime celebration of life event is planned for July 28, 2025 at Island Park in Mayville, ND.