H. Verdell Sandsmark

Funeral services for H. Verdell Sandsmark will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, with Rev. Loren Molskness officiating.  Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM Saturday and continue until the time of the service.  Burial will be at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery, New Richland, MN.

Hazel Verdell Sandsmark was born February 21, 1935 in Waseca County. Verdell went to be with the Lord November 10, 2019 at New Richland Care Center. She was 84 years old and the daughter of Oscar and Mable (Neumann) Sandsmark. Verdell grew up in rural New Richland, and she was not only a Sister, but an Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great Aunt, and a mentor to many.

Verdell was baptized and confirmed at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. She was a member at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea for many years. Verdell loved studying and teaching the Bible. She loved to lead a Bible study and sing praises at Saint John’s Lutheran home as well as several other adult care facilities. She volunteered at Holden Village, traveled to Jerusalem, Israel, Mexico, and spent time as an aid worker in the Philippines.

Verdell graduated from Mankato State University and later obtained a master’s degree + 30 in elementary education. Starting her teaching career in one room school houses, her intention was to teach a year in every state - one year teaching in Florida cured her of that. She returned to Minnesota and continued to teach in Hollandale, Hayward, and Albert Lea school districts.  Verdell did not have a favorite grade, she loved to teach them all!

Verdell enjoyed spending her school breaks in Michigan, family get togethers, being outdoors camping and fishing, waitressing, traveling, shopping, sewing, playing cards, creating art projects, listening to music, and cooking. But most of all, Verdell enjoyed sharing about the Lord. Verdell was an avid Minnesota Twins Fan always listening to them on the radio, or going to the games, and she enjoyed watching the Harlem Globetrotters.

Verdell is survived by her sister Darlene Fraley, sister-in-law Kitty Sandsmark, numerous nieces and nephews, numerous godchildren, numerous great nieces and nephews, and numerous great, great, nieces and nephews.

Verdell is preceded in death by her parents, sister Doris Waltz, brother Marlin Sandsmark, and brothers-in-law Dean Waltz, Arza Palmer, and Jack Fraley.