Sandy Loose

Sandra “Sandy” Kaye Loose was born on April 23, 1959 to Harvey and Cora (Ross) Gehrke in Pipestone, Minnesota. During her early years, she grew up on farms in the Jasper and Beaver Creek, Minnesota area. When her dad passed away suddenly in 1969, Sandy and family moved off the farm and into Luverne, where she was then raised. She attended school and graduated from Luverne High School with the Class of 1977. Sandy then married Larry Frey. The couple had 3 children. They later divorced in 1984. Sandy worked first at Pig Parlor’s Inc. near Adrian, Minnesota. She then worked various jobs in Luverne, which included Moose Brother’s Pizza, Taco John’s, Mary Jane Brown Home in Luverne as a dietary hostess, and at Glen’s Grocery in the Deli. On April 18, 1998, Sandy was married to James Loose at the United Methodist Church in Luverne. She went to work at Rock County Opportunities for a number of years. After a while, Sandy spent a short time at Dollar General before working at Generations in the kitchen or what she referred to as being “the bag lady”. On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Sandy died suddenly from a heart attack at her home.

Sandy was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. She was a huge fan of racing and following Nascar, her favorite driver being Martin Truex, Jr. She enjoyed crocheting, spending time with those at R.C.O., and visiting with the elderly people. When asked how she was doing, she often replied, “living the dream!” Sandy was excited for trips to HuHut and Hobby Lobby and watching over her “adopted kids” at the Howling Dog. She most loved spending time with her grandkids and hanging out with her sister, Shirli.

Sandy is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jim; daughter, Shawna (Jason) Brandt of Luverne, and their children, Merrissa (A.J.) Haan, Justice Brandt, Destiny, Kadia and Joshua; daughter, Amanda McTigue (special friend, Matt Dass) and their children, Madison (Tim) Bos, Morgan McTigue, Jayden Dass and Jaxson McTigue; sister, Shirli Akkerman of Luverne; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Joshua Frey; parents, Harvey and Cora; brother, Gar Gehrke; and sister, Kari Hamann; and brother-in-law, Gary Akkerman.