Kathy Sandstrom

A Celebration of Life for Kathy Sandstrom, 67, of Dickinson will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 5, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with Pastor Jim Hessler officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to service.

Kathy passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at her home in Dickinson surrounded by her loved ones.

Kathy was born April 29, 1956 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the daughter of James and Wyetta (Trueblood) Kenney.  She attended Fort Dodge High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, graduating with the class of 1974. She loved reading books and learning. Kathy married Drew Sandstrom on December 29, 1979 in Burnside, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Jennifer, Adam and Rebecca.  Her life career was being a judicial assistant, but her real passion was spending time and laughing with all those she loved. 

Kathy loved being active; she walked several half marathons, and multiple Susan G. Komen 3-day, 60-mile walks. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time outside challenging herself, walking hundreds of miles, and just enjoying nature.

As a child, Kathy was baptized at Epworth Methodist Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Throughout her life, her faith was very important to her, as were her bible study groups. She was a member of Christ Church of Flagstaff, AZ, and River of Life in Dickinson.

Kathy was the definition of a “Cancer Warrior”. Defying odds, she fought hard for over nine years, living long past the expectations of her care teams. Her positive mindset and her drive to fight was like no other. Her family finds comfort knowing that because of her tenacity, the cancer community gained knowledge which will help save others fighting this terrible disease.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Drew of Dickinson; children, Jennifer Sandstrom of Dickinson, Adam (Amanda) Sandstrom of Hideaway, TX, Rebecca (Scott) Ellens of Bozeman, MT, and Matt Manning of AZ; mother, Wyetta DeVilbiss of Ft. Dodge IA; one grandson, Hunter; six granddaughters, Shayla, Savanna, Autumn, Nayeli, Waylynn, and Parker; brother, Jim (Kathy) Kenney of Vincent, IA; sister, Pam Pergande, of Otho, IA; step-brother, Tim (Lana) DeVilbiss;  brothers-in-law, Mike (Debbie) Sandstrom, Kevin (Sheryl) Sandstrom; sisters-in-law, Deborah Cummins, Michelle (Randy) Rosenquist and Kim and (Bruce) Rieken. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved step-dad, Bernard DeVilbiss; father, James Kenney; brothers-in-law, Mick Pergande, Roy Cummins; and sister-in-law, Ali Kenney.