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Sandra Jane (Schlenker) Nelson was born September 30, 1941 to Edwin and Hilda Schlenker in Merricourt, ND. She passed away March 13, 2026 at the age of 84 years.

Sandi's early years were spent moving frequently due to her father's military service. After earning her teaching certificate from Dickinson, she moved to Hettinger where she taught first grade.

She met and married Howard Nelson on September 1, 1962. They  lived on the family farm north of Hettinger until 2010 when they moved into Hettinger where she lived until her death. To this union three daughters were born—Brenda, Lori and Kristi.

Sandi's life was spent dedicating her time to her family and friends. She volunteered wherever help was needed. This included 4-H, church and the Clothes Closet.

Her life was full with a variety of interests. Early activities included bowling leagues and snowmobile racing. Her love for growing plants was seen in her bounitful garden and beautiful flowers. She enjoyed sewing and quilting. Her cooking and baking skills were unmatched. Friends looked forward to her caramels and lefse.

Spending time with family and friends was important; including playing cards, drinking coffee or quilting.  Her most valued time was watching her family grow. She spent her life guiding her daughters with steady love, gentle wisdom and an unwavering belief in them. Through every stage of their lives she offered encouragement, patience and strength. She spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sandi was preceded in death by her parents, brother Edwin Schlenker Jr. and her sister Maryann Mathern.

Sandi is survived by her husband of 63 years, Howard Nelson; her three daughters: Brenda Johnson, Bismarck, ND and her children Katie (Cal) Oldenburg and their son Walter, from Surrey, ND and Nicole Johnson (Andy Larsen) from Baldwin, WI; Lori (Mike) Engle, Minot, ND and their daughter Emily Engle (Jake Harbaugh), Minot, ND and Kristi (Dale) Weston, Fargo, ND and family Paige (Stuart) Jackson and their daughter, Finley, Colorado Springs, CO and Bailey (Alex) Werk and their son, Cameron, Fargo, ND.

She is also survived by her brother Richard Schlenker, brother-in-law Daryl Mathern and sister-in-law Beverly Kern.

A visitation for family and friends will be Friday, March 20 at Hettinger Lutheran Church from 5:00-7:00.

The funeral service will be Saturday, March 21 at Hettinger Lutheran Church, 10:30 am (MST). Burial will follow at the Hettinger Cemetery.  Please join us for lunch following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to West River Health Services Foundation, Hettinger Ambulance or Hettinger Fire Department.