Gene Sanden, age 86, of Capitola, CA, formerly of Valley City, ND, died January 1, 2021 at Pacific Coast Manor in Capitola, CA.  A memorial service and celebration of Gene's life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Aptos, CA at a later date.  Inurnment will be in Faith Cemetery, rural Valley City, ND.

Gene Larry Sanden, the son of George and Gertrude Sanden, was born September 18, 1934 in Luverne, ND.  He was baptized into the Lutheran Faith, and loved the Lord all of his life.  After he graduated from Valley City High School in 1953, he moved to California with his folks and attended LA Valley College.  He served four years in the Air Force where he attended Radar Maintenance and Instructor's school.  He worked for Sylvania for many years.  In his later years, he worked as a landscaper.

Gene is survived by his brother, James (Doris) Sanden, Valley City, ND as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by four brothers, Wayne, Harvey, Billy and Ronald Sanden, and three sisters, Lorraine Matz, Dorothy Clancy and Betty Hankins.

Funeral arrangements by the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home of Valley City.  An online guestbook is available at www.lerudschuldt.com