Sandra Rae Walter

Sandra Rae Walter (Gustafson) was born in Langdon, ND on March 30, 1951, to parents Helene & Ray Gustafson.

Sandra attended a small country school near her home 12 miles from Langdon, ND. She graduated from Langdon High School in 1969. She has a lifetime of memories shared with her high school friends.

Sandra attended Devils Lake Jr. College, then transferred to Minot State College. She graduated with a teaching degree in Special Ed, Reading, and Elementary, Secondary Education.

Sandra taught at Walhalla School District, then moved to Thief River Falls Public School as a Title I Special Ed teacher, where she met Marvin Walter, a middle school vice principal and Title I director.

Sandra accepted a Reading Director position in Big Lake Public Schools. She married Marvin Walter in 1978 who was an elementary principal with Little Falls Public School district.

In 1980 Sandra and Marvin visited Juneau, Alaska and decided to move to Alaska. Sandra was a middle school 6th grade teacher in Juneau Public Schools for 20+ years and gave her life to teaching special needs students, Special Ed students, and 6th grade students.

Sandra gave birth to Wade Walter on March 11, 1980. Chad Walter was born on March 29, 1983. Marvin Walter worked as a middle school vice principal for ten years, a middle school P.E. teacher 15 years with Juneau Public Schools, Alaska.

Wade and Chad grew up loving Alaska’s beauty and athletic programs. They spent time fishing, boating with family and friends.

Marvin & Sandra retired in 2007, then moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota where lake living was enjoyed for 20 years.

Sandra died from ALS disease on Feb 22 at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was loved by Marvin, sons Wade (Heidi, wife) Walter (Memphis, TN) and Chad Walter (Ripley, TN) and three grandchildren, Codie Rae (19 yrs), Amelia (16 yrs) and Cooper Walter (16 yrs).

Sandra Rae loved reading, teaching and outdoor adventures. She fished, golfed and attended sporting events. She gave time to help at United Methodist Church as a volunteer worker in Detroit Lakes.

A special reception is planned for March 8th, 2026, at United Methodist Church for her family and friends beginning at 10:15am, located at 885 Pembina Trail, Detroit Lakes, MN.  Patrons are welcome to join services at 9:15, if so desired.

Sandra will be cremated and buried at a family ceremony south of Red Lake Falls, MN in July 2026.

Sandra will be missed!