Sandra Ann Gradert

HAWARDEN, IOWA ~ Sandra Ann Gradert, 80, of Hawarden, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at her home under the care of hospice. Sandy was blessed with the presence of all 5 of her children and families for the Thanksgiving holiday.

   Public viewing will begin at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023, with visitation with the family beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ireton, Iowa. A family funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday with Rev. Michael Boothby officiating followed by burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The Porter Funeral Home is assisting the family.  The funeral service will be recorded and available later on the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Webpage, Facebook, and YouTube.

   In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be directed to Sioux Center Health Hospice.

   Sandra Ann Gradert was born May 19, 1943, in Downey, California, the daughter of Lester and Lois (Hedden) De Vries. She attended Alcester, South Dakota High School.

   Sandra married the love of her life, Wilbur Lee Gradert on March 21, 1961, in Pipestone, Minnesota. They lived near Ireton, Iowa, where Sandra and Wilbur raised their family. Sandy drove school bus for West Sioux School District for 9 years. She later worked for 10 years at Coilcraft, in addition to many numerous other jobs. The couple moved to Hawarden, Iowa in 1991, after retirement.

   Sandra loved spending time with her husband of 62 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, Bingo, gambling, and garage sales.

She always had a special bond with her dogs, Peaches and Macie. Most importantly, Sandy loved her family and others with unwavering faithfulness. She ended every phone call and in-person visit with the words…love you!

   She is survived by her husband Wilbur of 62 years; her 5 children, Carolyn and Dana Munns of Diamondhead, Mississippi, Julie Strong and fiancé Jeff Dreesen of Yankton, South Dakota, Lisa and Mark Luschen of Gulfport, Mississippi, Gerad and Danielle Gradert of Ireton, and Brad and Courtney Gradert of Mooresville, Indiana; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Norma (Bill) Rabey of Akron, Iowa, Judy Danielson, John (Willy) De Vries, Lannie (Twila) De Vries, Evelyn Schoppman, Madonna (Chris) Grubb all of Hawarden, and Susan (George) Taylor of Le Mars, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

   Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and numerous other members of the family and dear friends.

   There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt gratitude for the sympathy, love, and support you have extended to our family during our time of loss. We would like to offer a special "thank you" for the love and support we received from Sioux Center Health Hospice and The South East South Dakota Pink Ladies. Your kindness will always be remembered. With gratitude, Wilbur Gradert and family