Douglas Duane Sanders, age 83 of Tracy, passed away Monday, August 10, 2026, at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family. A visitation will be held 4:006:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Please join the family at the Eagles Club in Tracy at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. Stephens Funeral Service Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Douglas Duane Sanders was born September 23, 1942, in Tracy, MN, to Si and Sally (Smith) Sanders. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tracy. Doug attended Tracy High School, graduating in 1960. On June 11, 1960, Doug married Ruth Ann Cooreman at St. Mary. Together, the couple lived in Tracy for a while before moving to the family farm northeast of Tracy. Doug began working for Bill’s Super Fair grocery store before going to work for Chicago Northwestern Railroad in 1962. In high school, he was a very popular lifeguard. As a young man, Doug played softball for the Breezy Point Bombers and competed in horseshoes. He was a member of the Tracy Eagles Club since 1981. In 1994, Doug went on disability. He moved to the lake in 2007, where he could fill his days hunting and fishing.
Doug was a big sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Vikings. Spending time with family was a favorite pastime, as was cheering on his grandchildren at Tracy sporting events. In his quieter times, Doug was an avid reader and enjoyed solitaire.
Doug is survived by the love of his life Ruth of Tracy; children: Jeff Sanders of Tracy, Anita (Kevin) Larsen of Grand Island, NE, Paul (Hilary) Sanders, Ray Sanders and Arika Sanders all of Tracy; 15 grandchildren: Jacob, Jared; Kayla, Andrew, Alex; Darian, Hayden, Audrey, Marissa, Natalie, Trenton; Sy, Kirabella; Tanner (Class B) and Teagen; 11 great-grandchildren: Eli, Ari, Nora; Jenna, Rylee, Kinlee; Joshua, Oliver, Graysen; Kai and Ryla; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Alan Sanders and sister Sue Colby.
