Sandi "Donald" Staubs

Sandra Kay Staubs, lovingly known as Sandi, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Duluth, Minnesota on June 6, 1946, to John and Kay Donald, Sandi lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and deep devotion to those she loved.

A proud graduate of Central High School's Class of 1964, Sandi began her career as a lab technician at the Duluth Clinic, where she worked for 13 years. She later spent the next 13 years in finance managing the "money room" for Automatic Vendors, and for 27 years, she brought warmth and laughter to patrons as a bartender at The Spot Sports Bar in the Incline Station, a place that became a second home to her and many others.

With her gentle heart and generous spirit, Sandi built lasting friendships wherever she went and was deeply loved by many. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for and special. Sandi was a truly social person who lit up the Incline Station, especially during weekly bowling league with the Special Olympians who held a special place in her heart. She was known for hosting delicious dinner parties, usually serving her famous lasagna, and for her crazy love of Christmas, which she celebrated by baking and sharing hundreds of cookies with family and friends. And to the dozens of children in the Duluth area who called her "Grandma," Sandi was a source of warm hugs and, of course, home baked treats.

Sandi never met a slot machine she didn't love, and one of her greatest joys in life was traveling to Las Vegas with her siblings, kids, nieces, and nephews. But the only thing that lit up her world even more were her two children and all of her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond belief. In Sandi's own words:

"It was my honor and privilege to be the mother of Bill and Dinel. I am so proud of them both. They gave me the most amazing grandchildren-Kaydi Staubs; Andrew, Jacob, and Lucas Koski; Adeline and Arthur Dahl. Bill and Dinel had the good sense to pick amazing partners in Kari Steffenhagen and Paul Koski, and I love them both very much. I also had the good fortune to be born into the Donald family, who have always been there for me, supporting me always."

Sandi was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Dinel Koski; her parents John and Kay Donald; siblings Larry, Jimmy, Greg, Marilyn, and Geralyn Donald; and beloved brother-in-law Tom Blair. She is survived by her loving son Bill (Kari) Staubs; grandchildren Kaydi Staubs, Andrew, Jacob, and Lucas Koski, Adeline and Arthur Dahl, Jenna and Brody Caruth; son-in-law Paul Koski; siblings J. Scott Donald, Chris (Patty) Donald, Ken (Karen) Donald, Keith (Debbie) Donald, Russ (Peggy) Donald, Lana (Tom) Blair, Mary (Gene) Scott; and sister-in-law Rosemary Donald. She also leaves behind the entire Sorensen clan, whom she considered her "second family," especially Tim, who was like a second son, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the compassionate staff of Essentia Hospice Home Care and Solvay Hospice House. A special thank you goes to J. Scott Donald, caregiver extraordinaire, and the true "A team," whose tireless love and care allowed Sandi to spend her final 15 months at home.

A celebration of Sandi's life will be held on October 12 from 1 to 4 PM at the Incline Station, 601 West Superior Street, Duluth, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandi's memory may be made to Solvay Hospice House, 801 Baylis Street, Duluth, MN 55811.

Sandi's legacy lives on in every homecooked meal shared, every cookie passed with love, every hug given, and every heart she touched.