Sandy Utpadel

Sandy Kay (Thielbar) Utpadel ,78, of Hastings, MN came to the end of her joyful, family first life on November 12, 2020.  On October 19th, Sandy learned she was suffering from lung cancer. She chose not to seek treatment. Her remaining good days were with her family and friends near, and the compassionate care of Fairview Hospice.

Sandy was a woman of faith.  She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Roger; By her children, Brad (Mary) Utpadel of Faribault, MN; Jill Fox of Hastings; Six  grandchildren, Daniel (fiancée Kristin Ellerman) Utpadel of Longview, TX, Brian Utpadel of Faribault, Lindsay (Matt) Albertson of Hastings, Nathan Utpadel of Minneapolis,  Lauren (fiancé Jeremy LaVenture) Fox of Apple Valley, and Maria (fiancé Josh Esterholm) of Ladysmith, WI.  Great grandchildren, Zoey Petersen, and Tatum Albertson.

Sandy and Roger are 45-year residents of Hastings and the last 7 as residents of Augustana Park Ridge Senior Apartments.  The senior community at Park Ridge has added an extension to their good friends in Hastings. Sandy’s gifts of friendship and faith has brought forth many shared memories from all that knew her.  Her words of action were “I hope you find joy in your day”.  The Hastings community and her family will miss the joy she brought to each of their lives, but her legacy is secure in their hearts.

Sandy is also survived by her siblings; Connie (Ron) Reineke of Faribault, Kathy Boozell of Alexandria, David (Pauline) Thielbar of Madison, SD, Doug (Linda) Thielbar, Hilton Head, SC.  Brother-In-Law Curt (Lynette) Utpadel of Sun City West, AZ.  Sister in-law Sheree Utpadel of New Richland, and many nieces and nephews.
As a woman of faith, Sandy hopes to be reunited with her parents Ronald and Alma Thielbar; Brother Les Thielbar, Granddaughter Mikalya Fox, In-laws Eldo and Cordelia Utpadel, Elroy and Eileen Utpadel, Lavern Utpadel, and Will Boozell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive in Faribault with Fr. Cory Rohlfing officiating.  Interment will be held at Ft. Snelling in 2021.  For those unable to attend, you may watch the livestream of the service through a link on Sandy’s obituary page or her tribute page at www.ThePlaceNetwork.com/sandytribute.

Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be directed to Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Fairview Hospice Care in memory of Sandy.