Jan Delbert Sander

Loving father, Bapa, brother, and friend passed away into the arms of his savior on April 6 after a hard fought year of medical challenges.

Survived by his three daughters Lynda Niemiec, Stephanie Cook (Mike), Rubae Schoen (Eadrian), grand children Lynae Cook, Candace Kelley (Michael), Ian Cook (Susana) and Nick Niemiec (Rebecca) and 5 great grandsons; Landen, Evan and Liam Cook, and Brantley and Wyatt Kelley and his brother Gary, and sister Joan Sander. Preceded in death by his loving wife Betty, his parents Delbert and Bernice Sander, brothers Gilbert and Mylon, and granddaughter Caitlyn.

Jan was born on March 7,1937 in Mankato, MN, the second oldest of five children. He attended grade school and high school in Clinton Iowa along the Mississippi river and was active in swimming and music in grade school, but in high school concentrated in music and basketball as the 6’8” center on the CHS River Kings.

After graduating high school in 1955 he enrolled in Mankato State Teachers College, played basketball and attended two years and met Betty. In August of 1957 he joined the United States Marine Corps and moved to California. December 1958 Jan married Elizabeth Jean Hudson in Pipestone MN and she joined him in California. August 1959 Jan received an honorable discharge from the USMC and moved to San Bernardino to work as a plumber. Shortly thereafter, Lynda was born. After a year the family of three moved to San Clemente where Jan was a State Park Aide, then in 1960 went to work for Standard Oil Company in Huntington Beach CA. During his time at Standard Oil two more daughters came into the family, Stephanie Joan and Rubae Cherie. In 1967 he resigned from Standard Oil and became a fireman for the city of Costa Mesa, after a few years he accepted a job for the City of Huntington Beach as a fire protection specialist in oil field operations. HB is where he spent his remaining career in fire service in various capacities; firefighter, engineer, hazardous material specialist, as well as teaching fire science at Santa Ana City College. He retired in 1997 and began spending summers in MN in 2002 where he enjoyed fishing and friends on Lake Rachel. A few years after Betty’s death in 2020 he moved to North Carolina. Jan’s last years were spent enjoying beautiful mountain views in Waynesville, spending time playing cards, fishing, watching sports, and singing in the church choir with dear friend Norene.

Jan was a Member of First Christian Church, Alexandria Covenant Church, St. Andrews Presbyterian and Longs Chapel Methodist sharing his love for the Lord through his musical talent in various groups including Friends of the Father, the Plain Gospel Quartet, The Coastal Corral and choir in any church he attended. He was a talented athlete competing in swimming and basketball throughout his life including high school, college, the USMC and HBFD teams, and competed in the Fireman’s Olympics. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, not just as sport but a chance to connect with treasured friends and family.

Jan was loving, curious, a bit mischievous, and always humming a tune wherever he went, making jokes through tears through his last days. His love of music was shared with everyone in his life, from playing duets with his mom during family gatherings, to serenading his children and grandchildren with beloved songs he knew by heart. He loved to work with his hands, building beautiful furniture for his loved ones, and lovely hand-carved and hand-painted gifts that continue to be cherished by his friends and family.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate Jan’s life:

Waynesville, North Carolina-

Longs Chapel Methodist–133 Old Clyde Road

Friday, May 15, 2026 11am- 12:30

Alexandria, Minnesota-

Alexandria Covenant Church–4005 Dakota St

Saturday June13, 2026 10am - 11:30

California-TBD

In his memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a contribution to the Huntington Beach Firefighters Fund with monies directed to the drum corps.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jan Delbert Sander, please visit our floral store.