April 14, 1952 - September 15, 2024
Private family graveside services for Sandra Schenck Ver Helst were held on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at the Union Township Cemetery near Algona. Memorials can be made in her name to Hospice of the Heartland or Tails of Hope Rescue in Algona.
Sandra Jo Schilling was born April 14, 1952, at the Greene County Hospital in Jefferson, the daughter of Alvin “Short” and Betty Jane (Stoll) Schilling. She attended schools in Churdan, Dana, Jefferson and graduated from Glidden-Ralston Community High School in1970.
Sandy lived on a farm north of Ralston with her family, where she rode horses, raised sheep, hogs and cattle and helped with field work after her brother enlisted in the Navy.
Sandy married Ron Lohman from Carroll, in 1970. Together they had two boys. The family moved to Algona in the late 1970s and later divorced. Sandy later married Dean Ver Helst on June 17, 2017, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.
She was a very hardworking woman, working several jobs in the Algona area, including truck driving, Hormel, Universal Manufacturing and Kemna Auto Center. Sandy retired from the Bode Elevator in December of 2019. She was working as a part time kitchen aide at the Algona Manor Care Center at the time of her death.
She enjoyed camping with her husband, Dean, taking her dogs for rides in the side by side, gardening, spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and she had a knack for growing the most beautiful flowers!
Sandy died Sunday, Sept. 15 at her home, at the age of 72.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Dean Ver Helst of Algona; sons, Shawn (Lisa) Lohman of Whittemore; Kevin (Marieann) Lohman of Burt; stepson, Justin (Amber) Ver Helst of Hartley; sister, Connie (Ralph) Bock of Glidden; brother, Gary (Ann) Schilling of Dyer, Ark.; 14 grandchildren, a great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews; her beloved dogs, Boots and Hendrix and her horse, Magic.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents and late husband, Lee Schenck.
Arrangements were handled by Oakcrest Funeral Services. Condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.