Susan Bernadette “Sue” (Donner) Sandvig
CROFTON — Susan Bernadette “Sue” (Donner) Sandvig died peacefully in her home in Crofton, July 8, 2019, at the age of 73.
Visitation and a Vigil Service were Thursday at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, and continued Friday at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial was July 12 at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, with Rev. Michael Schmitz officiating.
Burial was in the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Crofton.
The Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton, assisted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers were Ron Tramp, Vern Schieffer, Warren Haas, Steve Kyriss, Dennis Schumacher and Keith Goeden.
Honorary pallbearers were Pat Potts, Mary Ellen Maly, Karen Kool, Bette Keiser, Monica Haas, Norma Schieffer, Lois Grother, Imogen Tramp, Charolete Schuring, LaVerta Mauch, Annie Kuehler, Donna Steffen, Marietta McFarland, Marlene Hynes and Karen Girard.
Sue was born Nov. 8, 1945, to Frida Welker, and adopted by Lawrence Henry and Margaret (Cozad) Donner. As their only child, Sue was the light of their world. The family grew up on a small farm just outside of Crofton, the same farm where she took her final breaths of life. Sue enjoyed the outdoors, especially horseback riding and planting the flower gardens. Sue was a life-long member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where she was both baptized and confirmed. Her faith in the Lord inspired all those who knew her, and she will forever be remembered for her dedication to prayer.
Sue attended and graduated
from Mount Marty High School in 1963, and proceeded to obtain her professional license from Norfolk Beauty College in 1964. At the young age of 19, she opened her own Beauty Salon. Sue has always been one to seek adventures, living and sharing experiences with those around her. She spent a few years as a flight attendant for North Central Airlines and worked at the Human Services Center, Yankton, S.D. Finally, after returning to her Beauty Salon, Sue proudly worked 50 years in her beauty shop, where some of her cherished friendships were formed.
Her greatest and most memorable friendship began with Ronald “Ron” Sandvig, where the two strangers met one October evening in 1972 at the unforgotten Bogner’s Steakhouse, Crofton. Their long-lasting romance began there and continued to bloom throughout their 46 years of marriage. Ron and Sue were married in Laurens, Iowa, June 9, 1973. After six beloved children — Michelle, Melanie, Yvette, Suzette, Christopher and Rhett — the Sandvig family flourished on family gatherings. Sue always put God and her family first, instilling some of the most treasured values to be passed down for generations to come.
Sue provided heart-warming welcomes and the most authentic hugs. She was grounded in her faith and family — through adversity, joy, suffering, and growth, she never lost sight of her faith in God. Sue loved the travels with Ron, where they would drive, camp and be present with some of the most magnificent sights.
Sue is survived by her husband, Ron, and five children, Melanie Sandvig, Casselberry, Fla.; Yvette and Will Sanger, Crofton; Suzette and Bill Wyatt, Mitchell, S.D.; Christopher and Taryn Sandvig, Mineral Wells, Texas; and Rhett Sandvig and Shawnee Sullivan, Allen; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; mother-inlaw, Dorothy Sandvig, Laurens, Iowa; two stepchildren, Scott Roberts, Ireland, and Kerri Climer, Ojai, Calif.; and her special dogs, Jazzi and Cisco.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Michelle, who died in an auto accident in January 1996; father-in-law, Ray Sandvig; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Sandvig.