Ann Sharon Sansgaard

Ann Sharon Peterson Sansgaard, 84, died on October 16, 2024, under the excellent care of Avera Hospice and surrounded by those she loved.

Ann Sharon Peterson was born to Marlo and Virginia Peterson on September 2, 1940, in Fairmont, MN. She was the oldest of three siblings and the first grandchild on both sides of the family. Ann grew up on the family farm and attended country school through 7th grade where she developed her pitching skills and love of baseball. Ann spent hours listening to the Brooklyn Dodgers on the radio and always kept a box score. She graduated from Trimont High School where she excelled in academics, was active in band and choir, kept stats for the Trimont Orioles, and was crowned homecoming queen.

Ann went on to major in elementary education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where her passion for teaching young children flourished. She began her teaching career in Albert Lea, MN, and later became Kristin’s kindergarten teacher in Reeder, ND. In Decorah, she founded the Children’s Place Preschool, where her son, Sam, attended. Ann ended her “official” teaching career in Stoughton, WI, where she received multiple accolades as Teacher of the Month. Even in retirement, her commitment to education continued through her volunteer work in literacy and reading programs.

It was at Luther where she met her future husband, Richard Sansgaard. Their love story began when she called him to be her date for a banquet, almost hanging up when he said he needed to check his schedule.  

Ann and Richard were married on August 11, 1963, at Waverly Lutheran Church in Trimont, MN. They raised their children largely in Reeder, ND, and Decorah, IA. In Reeder, Ann was honored as Mother of the Year. Richard and Ann also enjoyed life in Cambridge, WI, Boise, ID, and Sioux Falls, SD. Everywhere they lived, Ann was active in church life. She was an accompanist for worship and adult and youth choirs. Ann was known for her creative devotions, children’s sermons, and Sunday school lessons.

Throughout her life, she was a voracious reader, a critical thinker, and had a heart for the most vulnerable. She was a fervent advocate for victims of abuse, the hungry, and displaced persons. Ann worked tirelessly for causes that supported refugees, immigrants, and new Americans.

A lover of games, Ann was unbeatable in Wheel of Fortune, Boggle, and any word game. Music was woven into her daily life, often “torturing” her children with old show tunes. She accompanied the Norsemen Quartet and Families on tour every summer, where her CB handle was “Key Puncher.” 

Ann is survived by her husband of 61 years, Richard Sansgaard; her children Kristin (Donn) Grinager, Kari Sansgaard, Jonathan (Karen) Sansgaard, and Sampson Sansgaard; and grandchildren Nicole and Abbie Grinager, Maren and Rachel Brendefur, Jadon and Zoe Sansgaard, Lydia Taylor and Malachi Sansgaard; and her siblings Larry Peterson and Alice Kalkwarf.  

Her funeral will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 2001 S. Elmwood Ave, Sioux Falls, SD on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bread for the World, Feeding South Dakota, Wiconzani Wiwokiaye Oyate (Health Helpers Society) Scholarship at Augustana University, or ELCA Good Gifts.

Ann will be remembered for her hospitality, faith in God, generosity, and legendary pies.

The Service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarksluth