OLIVIA - In consultation with the office of Gov. Tim Walz, Olivia Acting Mayor Blanca Ferguson has ordered that all flags flying over public property within Olivia city limits be lowered to half-staff Wednesday in honor of the passing of Howard ("Howie") Sander.
Sander served as Olivia Police Chief for 18 years of his 21 years as a full-time member of the police department. He also served four years as a part-time officer after his retirement as chief.
He died April 23 at the age of 82. A memorial service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Olivia.
"It is right for us to pause to honor the passing of someone who gave so much of his time and
talents in service to our community and region," Ferguson said. "His storied and
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lengthy service as a peace officer, sheriff deputy, police chief and county and city maintenance
staff member made a lasting impact on our area and he will be missed."
Sander served four years in the U.S. Marines and was honorably discharged in June 1959. He also worked for two year in the Fairfax Police Department and five years as a deputy sheriff for Renville County.
