Sandra J. Anderson, age 87 of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center with her family by her side. Visitation will be on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 8:00 am until 10:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye. A funeral service will follow at 10:30 am. The clergy will be Pastor Grant Fischer. Interment will be at Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Sandra (Sandy) Jean Anderson was born February 4, 1937, in Lamberton, Minnesota to Charles and Dagmar (Larson) Dagner.
Sandy’s love story began when she met her husband, Don, at a dance. They were high school sweethearts and were married on June 2, 1956, in Lamberton. Together, they resided in Arnolds Park, Iowa, and St. Peter, Minnesota, before settling in Sleepy Eye in 1966.
While raising their family, Sandy dedicated her time to various part-time jobs, including working at Randy’s Drug for over 30 years. She was a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1966 and actively volunteered with the Red Cross Blood Mobile and the Trinity ladies’ group for many years.
Family held a special place in Sandy’s heart, and she delighted in attending the numerous activities in which her children and grandchildren participated. She cherished the holiday gatherings that brought the family together. After retiring from Randy’s Drug, Sandy enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, making cards, and sharing laughter with her coffee friends.
Sandy’s baking skills were legendary among her children, who fondly remember her fresh bread, dinner rolls, and cinnamon rolls baked with love on a weekly basis. Her delicious pies were also a highlight for family and friends.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Sleepy Eye Rehabilitation Center and Allina Hospice for their compassionate care and friendship during Sandy’s final days.
Sandy is lovingly remembered and survived by her children: Diane (Kevin) Hardin, Lori (Bob) Helget, Nancy (Al) Windschitl, Paul (Julie) Anderson of Sleepy Eye, and Cathy (Jeff) Olson of New Ulm. She will be greatly missed by her 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Arne (Carol) Dagner and Karl (Judy) Dagner, and sisters-in-law, Dorla Dagner, Mary Dagner, Pam Dagner, and Debbie (Rocky) Wright. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dagmar Dagner, her husband, Don Anderson, brothers Herman, Edward, Doug, and Mark Dagner, sisters Diane Dagner and Helen Kragh, and sister-in-law Karin Dagner, brother-in-law Wayne Kragh.