Longtime Valley Radio Personality Dies

A longtime voice on radio stations across the Red River Valley has died.

Duaine Sanden began his career at KILO Radio in 1959, and was elected into the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2018.

Scott Hennen, Partner at Flag Family Media, host of WZFG Radio’s What’s On Your Mind and a board member of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association (NDBA), calls Sanden a legend. He says Sanden “was the kind of co-worker who would work 18 hour shifts at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving so everyone else could be with their families.”

Hennen also says Sanden was about to receive the Pioneer in Broadcasting award from the NDBA received the Pioneer in Broadcasting Award from the North Dakota Broadcasters Association next month, the board’s highest honor.

In addition to his radio presence, Sanden owned and operated the 1928 Maple Lake Pavilion and was a member of the Grand Forks Fair board of directors.

Sanden was 78 years old. Funeral services are pending.