Sandra Christenson

September 1, 1950 — July 13, 2018

SANDRA BAILEY CHRISTENSON, 67

Sandra Lynn Christenson of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on July 13, 2018 at the age of 67, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. Sandi’s thankful heart and strong faith saw her through. Her favorite Bible verse was “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” (Phil. 4:13)

Sandra was born on September 1, 1950 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While attending Baltic High School she enjoyed band and choir. In high school, she began a 45-year banking career, beginning as key punch operator and advancing to the rank of VP of Operations. In later years she broadened her career as a Mary Kay Consultant wearing the most beautiful shades of lipstick, just ask her husband, Dave, who was the man of her dreams.

Sandi was an avid golfer, sinking a hole-in-one in 2015. And yes, she did buy everyone drinks at the Eagles Nest in Lake Ashton, Florida, afterwards. While Dave was at the grill, Sandi was all about the sides except when it came to Sandi’s World Famous Meatloaf—combine ½ cup each red bell pepper, celery, onion; ½ sleeve Saltines;1 egg; ¼ to ½ cup Heinz 57; 2 lbs. ground chuck and 1 lb. Jimmy Dean sausage. Form loaves in three small loaf pans, bake at 350* for 1 hour.

Her family, friends, and community were the most important things in her life. Sandi will be remembered as a volunteer, organizer and fundraiser extraordinaire. A few events in which she chaired or co-chaired were We Care for Kids, Rally for the Cure, and Lake Not-A-Lot-A-Wata Regatta, to name a few, raising thousands of dollars for local adults’ and children’s charities.

Quotes from family and friends include:
”In our lives, we only meet a handful of people we hope to grow old with … she was at the top of the list.”
“She was welcoming and unpretentious.”
“Anytime anyone would solicit help, Sandi would always reply with her SD/MN accent, ‘Well sure.’ ”
“She was comfortable, and I never heard her speak poorly of anyone.”

Sandi was preceded in death by her mother Doris Bailey Donahue.

She is survived by her husband David P. Christenson, children Devon (Jayme) Nelson of Sioux Falls, SD, Shane (Aimee) Christenson of Fridley, MN, Heidi (Aaron) Vande Linde of Coon Rapids, MN, Corey Christenson of Shakopee, MN, Janie (Adrian) Moore of Winchester, VA, Gretchen (Christopher) Haselbeck of Oconomowoc, WI, Rachel (Ryan) Bruce of Ham Lake, MN, father Duane Bailey of Fargo, ND, sister Becky (Wayne) Bailey Kaaen of Halfway, OR, extended family siblings Kathy Allen of Oak Point, TX, Judy (Bob) Videen of Moorhead, MN and 12 grandchildren, who brought her so much joy. This was evident at their home in Circle Pines, MN that was the hub of many family get-togethers from formal events to always welcome drop-ins. Sandi loved the lake life with her grandkids and she brought that same loving atmosphere to FL. Sandi cherished entertaining her grandkids at Florida’s great parks, beating them at cards and dominos, and amusing them with her vast knowledge of all things ‘gator.

A church celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Trinity Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, SD and a Celebration of Life will be held in October at Lake Ashton, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mission of Winter Haven at 180 E. Central Avenue Winter Haven, Florida 33880.
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Sandra Christenson

September 1, 1950 — July 13, 2018

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