Sandy K. Thorkildson

Sandy K. Thorkildson, age 86, of Savage, MN passed away on February 13, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 PM with Visitation from 2:30 - 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN. Sandy will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Sandy will be missed by husband, Don Thorkildson; daughters, Tracy (Scott) Conrad and Jill (Tom) Keefe; grandchildren, Nick Conrad (Caddie Munson), Blake Conrad (Emma Overlee), Sam Keefe, and Lily Keefe; and many other loving relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Muriel Dahm; and sister, Brenda (Russ) Cameron.

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Sandra Kay Thorkildson, beloved wife of Don, cherished mother to Tracy and Jill, and devoted grandmother to Nick, Blake, Sam, and Lily. Sandra's departure on February 13, 2025, leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Sandra was the first daughter born to Kermit and Muriel Dahm in Minneapolis MN. Sandra or "Sandy" as she liked to be called always enjoyed telling the story that she was named Sandy by her parents because she had sandy colored hair when she was born. Sandy grew up in Jordan, Minnesota as a child and later moved to Minneapolis graduating from Marshall High School. 

After high school Sandy studied at University of Minnesota and started her legal secretary career off at the University of Minnesota. Sandy and Don met during this time when Sandy was working at her family-owned small bar and grill on 50th and France Ave in Edina, Minnesota called the Brown Derby. Sandy and Don were married October 20, 1962 in Minneapolis at Ebenezer Lutheran Church embarking on a 62-year journey together filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. In the beginning of their marriage, they lived in Mankato, Rochester, and Minneapolis. Once their children Tracy and Jill were born Sandy and Don moved to Prior Lake, Minnesota. She began working closer to home at a small law firm in downtown Prior Lake and continued to work when the family moved to Bloomington, Minnesota. Sandy also experienced working in the corporate world as a legal secretary at the downtown headquarters of Honeywell and also working for law firm Cosgrove, Flynn & Gaskins in Minneapolis. She was dedicated to her work, but her true joy came from her family and hobbies.

Sandy enjoyed her hobbies of knitting, crocheting, needle point, gardening, playing cards and Scrabble (no one could ever beat her!). Many examples of her handy work throughout her lifetime are on display today! Together and with family, Sandy was always up for a round of golf with Don and their loved ones. They also loved downhill and cross-country skiing out west and up north with family and friends. After they both retired, they enjoyed being "snowbirds" in Perdido Key, Florida during the winter months. They enjoyed many visitors over the years and made many friends in Florida. 

Sandy and Don have four grandchildren, Nick, Blake, Sam and Lily who they have enjoyed over the years golfing with and supporting them at all of their numerous baseball games, hockey games, gymnastics meets, tennis matches and trap/skeet. She loved to watch them play all their sports but even with her big red coat, the ice rinks were always too cold!

Between Sandy and Don, they were blessed to share in the lives of many nieces and nephews. Sandy’s sister Brenda Cameron’s children—Bob (Caroline) Schmidt, Blair (Stacey) Schmidt, Becky Schmidt, and Ben (LaNae) Schmidt, as well as the children of her brother and sister-in-law, Lynn and Karen Thorkildson—Scott (Amy) Thorkildson, David (Christine) Thorkildson, and Stacy (Dana) Thorkildson were all especially dear to her.

In loving memory, we honor Sandy’s life, her love for her family, and the countless moments that will remain in our hearts forever.