Sandra Lynn Warnke

Sandra (Sandee) Lynn Warnke 12/22/1957 - 1/26/26

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Sandra Lynn Warnke announces her passing after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sandee was born at the Minneapolis Swedish Hospital and moved to Garrison, MN as a young child. She grew up learning the value of hard work while helping out at her family's resort, Wigwam Inn on Mille Lacs Lake. Those early lessons shaped a life devoted to caring for others. She earned a degree from St. Cloud State University in Physical and Health Education, and teaching became a calling she carried throughout her life.

Family was at the center of everything she did. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud Nana. Her greatest joy came from caring for her family and being present for them in every season of life. She especially loved cheering from the sidelines at their many sporting events.

Her faith guided her. She served tirelessly in her church- working with children, singing in choirs, attending bible studies and supporting others. Whether in the classroom, the church, or the community, she gave her time generously, impacting countless lives.

She lived life fully, often laughing and joking. She found joy in travelling, being outdoors-fishing and camping, music and crafts of all kinds. She loved playing, watching, coaching and refereeing many sports. Sandee was a dog lover and was proud to serve as a handler for Gideon, a comfort dog through Lutheran Church Charities. Her legacy is one of faith lived out, love freely given, and a life that made others better simply by being part of it. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Sandee is preceded by her father Francis Welty, her brother Michael Welty and her grandparents. She is survived by her mother Barbara Welty. Her loving husband Gregg. Children Holly (Matt) Kiehn and Daniel (Tamara) Warnke. Grandchildren Cecilia and Sullivan Kiehn, Mikayla and Jordan Warnke. Sisters Danette (Rod) Rohloff, Michelle (Mark) Anderson. Brothers Pat (Vicky) Welty, Mark (Cindy) Welty and Shawn Welty. Many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held for Sandee on Saturday, January 31st at 11am at Redemption Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN. Visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Sandee can be made to the following.

Trinity First Lutheran School https://trinityfirstschool.org/

Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dog Program https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfort-dogs-about.html