In Memory of Sandra Jean Minkler

Sandra Jean Minkler, age 84, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Faith Community Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Mark Aurand will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Sandra Jean Minkler, the daughter of Rae E. and Goldie N. (Bailey) Minkler, was born on June 28, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona and later moved to Manchester, Iowa. When she was finished with her schooling, she entered the workforce.

In 1958, Sandra met Everett Wink and they were blessed with three children: Richard, Kathleen, and Randy. Everett was in the military so the family moved around the country to various bases where he was stationed. During this time Sandra enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom raising her children. Sandra and Everett would later part ways. 

In 1966, Sandra met Paul Wayland and the couple was married in 1967. They were blessed with three children: Donald, Penny, and Christine. The family made their home in Arizona and California before settling in Iowa in 1971. During this time, Sandra received her geriatric nurse aid licensure and worked for various nursing homes. She also detailed cars at Rasmussen Ford in Storm Lake, Iowa. Paul’s job with Mau Trucking brought the family to Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1991 making Ida Grove her forever home. Sandra and Paul later parted ways. In the early 2000’s Sandra went to work at Willow Dale Care Center in Battle Creek, Iowa, until her retirement in 2007. 

Sandra enjoyed oil painting; she was especially fond of painting landscape images. She also collected lighthouses and enjoyed tending to her flowers and plants. In her younger days she treasured time camping and fishing with her children. She was a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years and most recently was a faithful member of the Faith Community Church. Most important to Sandra was her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who touched the hearts of all those who knew her.

Left to cherish her memory include her children Richard (Rose) Wink of Ida Grove, IA, Randy Wink of Arizona, Donald Wayland of Ida Grove, IA, Penny Wayland of Ida Grove, IA and Christine (Gail) Boysen of Ida Grove, IA; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sisters Sally Crawford of Arizona and Cindy Bailey of Arizona; extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Rae and Goldie Minkler; daughter Kathleen Wink; and granddaughter Rachel Putzier; and sister Sharon Sandhagen.