Sanda K. Weitzel

Sanda K. Weitzel, 75, of St. Paul, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Crane Gardens in Grand Island, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. A Rosary was recited Thursday at the church before the Mass. Reverends Vince Parsons and Art Faesser and Deacon Neil Baquet concelebrated the Mass. Family members gave the eulogies. Jaycee Housh and Reese Reilly were the lectors. Eucharistic ministers included McKenna Reilly and Jacob Herbek. Grace Wetzel was the violinist. Musicians included Linda Kezeor, Linda Schmaderer, Dan Nielsen, Cindy Peters, and Mary Gregoski. Song selections included “Hallelujah,” “Be Not Afraid,” “Psalm 23,” “Clair De Lune,” “One Bread, One Body,” “Amazing Grace,” “Song of Farewell,” and “On Eagle’s Wings.”

Casket bearers included Jeff Housh, Christian Weitzel, Kevin Reilly, Hudson Oliver, Matt Oliver, and Paxton Oliver.

A private family burial will be held at a later date in the Oregon Trail Memorial Park Cemetery in Bridgeport.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul assisted the family.

Sanda was born on November 27, 1947 in Sioux City, Iowa, to Edward “Skinny” and Isabel (Middleton) McNabb.

Sanda grew up in Bridgeport, and graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1966.

She married John A. Weitzel on December 17, 1965 in Bridgeport. Sanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Chadron State College.

Sanda was a dedicated K-8 teacher, having worked at several elementary schools throughout her career, including Banner School District 30, Elba Public Schools, and the St. Paul elementary school system. She officially retired from teaching in 2014, but continued substituting post-retirement.

Sanda was an active member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Hay Springs, where she regularly shared her gift of music by playing organ and piano. She was also an active Sidney and St. Paul Catholic community member. Sanda was a passionate and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, knitting, baking, and cooking, and had an opendoor policy, and if you left her home hungry, it was your fault.

Sanda will be deeply missed by all who know her.

Sanda is survived by her children and spouses, Paul and Lynn Weitzel of Woodbury, Minnesota; Craig Weitzel of Erie, Colorado; Michele and Jeff Housh of Hay Springs, Tami and Kevin Reilly of St. Paul, Amy and Matt Oliver of Grand Island; twenty grandchildren, Jordan (Ryan), Brooke (Bryan), Jaycee, Jaelyn (David), Christian, McKenna (Jacob), Jillian, Stella, Grace, Reese, Hudson, Reegan, Paxton, Andrew, Madyn, Brogan, Blake, Declan, Maeve and Jameson; and five great-grandchildren, Zella, Case, Millie, Wrenley and Baker; brother, Eddy and Nadine McNabb of Baird; and brother-in-law, James Woznick of Bridgeport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jarolyn Woznick; in-laws, Albert and Mary Lou Weitzel; and brotherin-law, Mike Wrage. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorials be given to the John and Sanda Weitzel “Class Act” scholarship fund.