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.

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: 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

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!