"David, Tina, and Linda - Deepest Condolences. I was a graduate student at Iowa State 20 years back and have interacted with Wallace. It was a shock to see his obituary in the AISC note today. Though I did not work with him in research or take a class, I always enjoyed his wit and wisdom. He was always available for a graduate student as a sounding board to test ideas related to engineering, discuss constructability issues and seek career guidance. I cherish my interaction with him during my years at Iowa State. "
In loving memory of
Wallace W. Sanders
June 24, 1933 - January 6, 2024
Livestream Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3020544990?pwd=WXpGcXRZMG1ITVRkZVcvc2JYbHlSdz09
Wallace Wolfred Sanders, Jr., 90, passed away on Saturday, January 6th, at Northcrest Retirement Community, Ames Iowa. Wallace was born on June 24, 1933 to Wallace W. Sanders, Sr. and Mary Jane (Brownfield) Sanders in Louisville, Kentucky. He was raised in Louisville with his younger brother, John Sanders. He shared wonderful memories of his childhood, many including White Castle Hamburgers.
Wallace married Julia Beth Howard on June 9, 1956 in Benton, Kentucky. Julia was the nurse of Wallace W. Sanders Sr. Wallace Sr. suggested that his son Wallace Jr. give a tour of the town to Julia; the rest is history. They lived in Louisville and Urbana, Illinois before moving to Ames, where they have resided since 1964. Wallace received his B.C.E from the University of Louisville, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). He was later awarded a M. Engr. University of Louisville. He was a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Iowa State University for 34 years, retiring in 1998. At Iowa State University, he was Assistant and Associate Director of the Engineering Research Institute for 11 years, Associate Dean College of Engineering for 3 years, Director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium for four years and an Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Students. He served on numerous professional and technical committees for the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society for Engineering Education, American Welding Society, European Committee for Constructional Steelworks (Aluminum Committee), American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (served 25 years as Secretary of the Committee on Steel Structures) and American Institute for Steel Construction (AISC). He received multiple awards including the AISC Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Engineering Education.
Wallace was an active member of First Baptist Church, Ames since 1964. He was active in many organizations such as Ames Noon Rotary, Golden K Kiwanis, Iowa State University Alumni Association, American Baptist Home of the Midwest, Des Moines Metro Opera Ames Guild, and Ames Alzheimer's Association. He served on the Board of Directors at Northcrest, Inc. for twelve years, eleven of those years as President. He was on the Board of Directors of Sheraton Vistana Resort for approximately ten years, five years as secretary.
Wallace is survived by his daughter, Linda Sanders of Columbia, Missouri; son, David (Tina) Sanders of Ames; grandchildren, both of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jonathan (Rachel) and their three children, Carson, Owen and Harper; and Morgan (Vittawat) Sriphong-Ngarm; and brother, John (Carole) Sanders of Carlsbad, California. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia; his parents and foster brother, Stephen Nettles.
Wallace had a great love of people, music, and travel. He loved mentoring and giving his time and skills to not-for-profit organizations. Wallace and Julia spent many hours going to concerts and listening to music. He especially enjoyed seeing the world with Julia and spending time with family.
The family wants to thank their many friends, St. Croix Hospice and Northcrest Retirement Community Staff that had given tremendous loving care to Wallace.
In lieu of flowers, send memorials to Northcrest Retirement Community Foundation (Ames), First Baptist Church of Ames or ISU Foundation noting "ISU Civil Engineering Structures Fund". There will be a private family burial in Ames Municipal Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church (200 Lynn Ave, Ames, Iowa 50010). Visitation with the family will be 30 minutes before the service in the church lounge with a time of fellowship to follow the memorial service.
Arrangements are being made by Grandon Funeral Home and Cremation Care. Condolences can be left at grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Linda and David, Sorry to hear that you have lost Wallace. We have many good memories of chatting with him while visiting Mom and Dad in the Northcrest Circle duplex. He was always kind and generous."
"This is a video that we did of dad two years ago as part of our 150th department celebration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMGOEMw327Q"
"My thoughts and prayers are with you David, Tina, and Linda - and all the family. What a special man Wallace was with a beautiful life very well-lived. I will always cherish his friendship to me during my time at Iowa State and know he will be so missed. "
"Dr. Sander was an AWS D1 Structural Welding Committee colleague of mine. He was always a cheerful, encouraging friend. He prompted me to get involved with AREMA, a railway bridge organization he was part of. He always admired the engineers who maintained railway bridges, often a hundred years old. The last time I saw Wally was when he took a tour of The Lincoln Electric Company manufacturing operations, in conjunction with the AREMA meeting. I was a joy to see him, well into his retirement years, still enjoying learning of new technologies. His technical contribution will be impactful for years to come. Duane K. Miller, Past Chair, AWS D1 Committee"
"Dr. Sander was an AWS D1 Structural Welding Committee colleague of mine. He was always a cheerful, encouraging friend. He prompted me to get involved with AREMA, a railway bridge organization he was part of. He always admired the engineers who maintained railway bridges, often a hundred years old. The last time I saw Wally was when he took a tour of The Lincoln Electric Company manufacturing operations, in conjunction with the AREMA meeting. I was a joy to see him, well into his retirement years, still enjoying learning of new technologies. His technical contribution will be impactful for years to come. Duane K. Miller, Past Chair, AWS D1 Committee"
"To Linda, David and the Family: Wallace was my masters program faculty advisor in 1972 & 1973. In addition to instructing me in several courses in structural engineering, he assisted Barbara and I in obtaining rental housing near campus so that we could move to Ames. Wallace was also instrumental in helping me obtain a part time job in the Bridge Office at the Iowa DOT (then it was the ISHC) during my studies. Over the years, we maintained a personal and professional relationship with Wallace and Julia and enjoyed seeing them at alumni functions and at the Des Moines Symphony performances. It was an honor for my firm to perform the structural engineering for the Sanders Structural Laboratory. We will cherish our memories of Wallace, offer our deepest sympathy to the Family, and bid ?Bon Voyage? to our dear friend and mentor. Robert & Barbara Britson January 10, 2024"
"We cleaned for Mr. & Mrs. Sanders in their townhome at Northcrest Community. His since of humor was infectious. He would tell us about his travels and his loving family. He would always tell us the story of how he met Mrs. Sanders a true love story. Mrs. Sanders made us promise to take care of Wallace for her and we did. To Linda, David, Tina, Jonathan, and Morgan and the rest of the Sanders family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your family with us."
"To Linda, David, and family: Our sympathies go out to all of you. Your dad had a wonderful life with ISU, international travels, family and friends. You will have lots of memories to cherish. Monique & Paul Lange "
"I had the pleasure of serving with Wallace on the Cascades Board of Directors and it was time very well-spent. Our dinners were filled with great conversation ranging from engineering theory to cars and baseball. I am a better man for having spent time with Wallace and the world will be a little less bright without his radiant smile. RIP my friend and blessing to the family."
"My wife, Diane, and I counted Wallace and his wife, Julia, as our close friends during the time in the late 80's that I served as the pastor of First Baptist Church. Wallace was devoted to Julia and often expressed pride in the achievements of their two children. He was quick to make sure I knew that he was a Civil Engineer, and that I ought not be confused by referring to concrete as cement. Like other ISU professors who were at that time active members of First Baptist, Wallace was active and generous in serving his church and the Ames community. I treasure the years we lived and served in Ames, and, especially, the sheer goodness of church members like Wallace and Julia Sanders. Rev. David C. Nethercott (Retired), Banning, California. "
"Linda and David, I am so sorry to learn that you have lost your dad. He was a wonderful person - unforgettable!! I know I shall forever think of him as "Potato Salad Wally" because of his beloved reputation with David and Brian's Indian Guides group. My mom also sends her condolences. We "kids" have had wonderful lives due to our great parents, who were exemplary role models for good ethics in every aspect of our lives. I am honored to have worked with you in helping your dad in 2022. God bless you and your family. "
"Linda and David, you indeed had a very special dad. What a great man with a wonderful sense of humor! I had several very interesting chats with him with the most memorable being in an airport seating area while both of us waited for our flights. He and Julia also hosted Linda and several of us for dinner on various occasions in Columbia, MO, showing us wonderful hospitality with lively conversation. Here is to you, Mr. Sanders!"