Sandra Houle

Sandy Houle, 65, died at her home in Rochester, Minnesota on August 13th, 2024 of pancreatic cancer.

Sandy was born on March 25, 1959 in Minneapolis to Charles and Vendala Houle. She graduated from Anoka High School in 1977 and later from Mankato State University in 1983 with a degree in nursing. After accepting a job at Methodist Hospital, she moved to Rochester where she continued to work at Mayo for the next 37 years in various departments.

Sandy met Bruce Fossum in Mankato and they were married on October 12, 1985 in an outdoor ceremony in Lewis, Wisconsin. From this union she welcomed two sons, Croix and Carson, who remained the focus of her love and life until the day she died. She also adored their life partners, Leesa and Maddie, and was a source of support and guidance to them as if they were children of her own.

Sandy lived her life by her core values and always remained true to her beliefs. Nothing meant more to her than quality time with family and friends. She brought out the best in everyone around her. She loved spending time with her niece's boys Dally, Cash, and Harley and was their biggest fan. She enjoyed hiking, swimming, yoga, travel, board games, hazelnut coffee, children, anything near water, and supporting woman's professional hockey. She was an excellent cook and made the best cookies and caramel brownies ever.

Along with her husband and sons, Sandy is survived by her mother Vendy, sisters Terri (Jim) Houle, Sheryl Stasel, and Jennifer (Tom) Gilbert, siblings-in-law Brian (Linda) Fossum and Karen (Tim) Fossum, nieces and nephews Micah, Hannah, Emily, Charley, Thomas, Sam, Britta, Carl, Sloan, Caitlin, Colter, and special grand-dog Riley. She was preceded in death by her father Charlie, brother-in-law Scott, and in-laws Jens and June Fossum.

Family would like to thank the oncology team at Mayo, Seasons Hospice, and her primary physician and friend Dr. Sidna Scheitel for the great care Sandy received.

A memorial service for Sandy will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, September 9th at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in Rochester. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 8th from 4-6PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or charity of your choice, in honor of Sandy.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Houle family.