Sandra Gale Bjorndahl

"Someday you will read in the papers that Sandra B. is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now, I shall have gone up higher, that's all; out of this mortal body into a house that is immortal. I was born of the flesh in 1936, I was born of the Spirit in 1973. That which is born of the flesh may die, that which is born of the Spirit will live forever." -Sandra Bjorndahl, adapted from Dwight Moody
Sandra grew up in Clear Lake, Iowa, where her love for water flourished through teaching swimming, lifeguarding, synchronized swimming, and waterskiing. She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1955. An energetic, joyful, and kinetic soul, she finished her education at the University of Minnesota in 1959, earning a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education. She met Robert on a blind date set up by his sister and they married in August 1959. Their love bloomed into 48 years of marriage.
In the 1980s and 1990s, she expanded her enjoyment of water by coaching synchronized swimming at the high school level. Sandra and her twin sister absolutely loved running Twin's Treasures - the vintage jewelry and hat business they ran from the 1990s until the late 2010s. Sandra was always thoroughly active, and loved gardening, biking, singing in choirs, leading Bible studies, and hosting events. She was devoted to her doggies, her faithful companions.
Her life, however, was marked first and foremost by her faith in God. It was God's strength alone that sustained her through many hardships and chronic pain. Her example of strength and endurance though pain was a testament to many. Later in life, she was a prayer warrior for her family and friends, having eternal impact on countless souls.
Sandra went to be with the Lord peacefully with her children at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her children Kristen, Erik, and Jodi. She is survived by her identical twin sister, Susan (White Bear Lake, MN); her sister, Judy (Minnetonka, MN); her children Amy (Taylor, TX), Kirk (wife Nancy; Lago Vista, TX), and Kirsten (husband Greg; South Pasadena, CA); and her grandchildren, Julia, Tim, Torin, Raith, and Gideon.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church on Nov. 10 at 10:30am. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 and a luncheon will follow the service at the church. The family encourages colorful attire and festive hats to celebrate Sandra's love of vintage hats. In lieu of flowers the family encourages memorials to World Vision and local animal shelters