Sandra Burkhart

Sandra (Sandy) Kay Burkhart, 82, completed her journey to God on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn.; following a brief illness.

Sandy is survived by her high school sweetheart, Kenneth of 63 years. They were married at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, IA on May 10, 1957.

Sandy is lovingly remembered by her son, Alan (Laurie) Burkhart, Hawkeye, and daughter, Jan (Jim) Hauer, Solon. Grandchildren Abby (Zach) Osborn, Ben Burkhart, Trent Blessing and Trevor (Maggie) Blessing, step-grandchildren John, Sydney and Saige Hauer and great-grandchildren Brooks Blessing and Baby Boy Osborn coming in November, and family dog Charlee.

Sandy was born in rural Donnan in a farmhouse on July 24, 1938. She graduated from West Union High school in 1955. She moved to Waterloo to work at Black’s Tea Room until she  was married. She worked as a West Union telephone operator and at Hawkeye Savings Bank which were her final out-of-home jobs. In 1965 they purchased their home farm where she began her occupation of farmer’s wife, mother and financial manager of the farm and K and S Cattle Company. On weekends they relaxed with family and friends at their permanent trailer spot at Paradise Valley Campground at Garnavillo, IA. She always enjoyed traveling with Ken and family. They got 48 states out of 50 and Mexico. Upon retiring from the farm they purchased a home in Arizona City, AZ and became snowbirds. Both looked forward to their time with new friends for the last several winters.

Sandy being a creative person always kept busy in her spare time. She wrote poems and songs for her children and her friends’ children's confirmations and weddings, daily journaling, walking, knitting, crocheting, macramé, ceramics, tending to her flower gardens, following her children’s and grandchildren’s activities kept her even more active. Still learning, which she always encouraged, she took classes to become more creative in writing and spiritual growth. As a major accomplishment to her, she became a student and teacher of the Bethel Series at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye.  Sandy was always happily active in teaching, reading, singing in the choir and serving at Trinity Lutheran Church. She loved to dance, sing, play the “gut bucket” and the organ. She loved attending family reunions, multiple music concerts and cultural events while always encouraging others to join her in her happiness. She, along with her great love for family and friends, her wisdom, strength and determination, her joy of life, will be greatly missed by all of whom were blessed to know her.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Roger and Myrna Sherman.

An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at the West Union Park and Recreation Center from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020.  Due to Covid-19, please feel free to wear a mask or bring a lawn chair for social distancing and safety.