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Sandra Torske Wigdahl, age 80 of Blair, passed away July 9, 2022. Memorial services will be held Thursday July 14, at 2:00PM at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair. Visitation will be held prior to services beginning at 12:00PM.

Sandra Torske Wigdahl was born to Joseph Torske and Ester Ada (Naylor) Torske on February 16, 1942 in their home in rural Hardin, Montana. Her family was wheat and barley farmers and from a tender age she learned to drive the Studebaker truck and the International “M” tractor to haul grain and “rod weed” the stubble fields as well as other chores around the farm.

Sandra attended both elementary and secondary school in Hardin. She was extremely active in school functions especially those involving music and acting. Had one read her graduation note in her senior year book her wit, sense of humor and writing skills would have been obvious. After graduation from Hardin High School in 1960, Sandra went to College at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She graduated from Concordia in 1964 with a major in English and minor in Social Studies.

In 1963, Sandra and LeRoy Wigdahl were married in Hardin, Montana. Sandra had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the United States while LeRoy was in the Army. One of her fondest memories was visiting relatives in Norway and being able to walk the ancestral farm which her paternal grandfather Lars had talked about when she was younger.

In 1969, Sandra’s first son Matthew was born, followed two years later by Nathan. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and watch them grow and develop into young men. As the boys progressed in school, Sandra was asked to teach Business English at UNL when the boys were in school. She taught for almost 10 years.

Sandra and LeRoy moved to Blair in 1991 after building a house in rural Blair. There she tended cats, dogs, horses, deer, turkeys and wild birds as well as the occasional cow/calf pair.

With the boys in college or away with new jobs, Sandra sought employment. She worked for a short time at Mutual of Omaha in the claims department and the Blair newspaper. After that, she took a job in Public Relations at Dana College with Phil Pagel and Burke Petersen. She worked there for several years and then went to work for Reward Wall Company in their Public Relations office. At both Dana and Reward she was able to refine her writing skills and management techniques.

In 2006 Sandra retired and instead of going on a world cruise, she decided to volunteer at the Danish American Archive and Library and renew old friendships with Dana connections. She kept her writing skills sharp by doing consulting work for various businesses, as well as creating media and marketing materials for the nonprofit that her son and daughter-in-law started.

When asked what was her biggest joy in life, she quickly responded that it was watching her two boys, Matthew and Nathan, grow from infants to adults. She was extremely proud of the men they became. She quickly also added her grandchildren. Her greatest wish was to watch them grow into adulthood.

Sandra is survived by her husband LeRoy, her sister Janice Heath and brother Larry Torske, her sons Matthew and Nathan and their wives Robin and Julie, and her five grandchildren Thomas, Brooke, Katherine, Brody, and Jonathan Wigdahl. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Ada and Joseph Torske, and by her brother Eric Torske. Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair is in charge of arrangements.

#2 Published by Omaha World-Herald on Jul. 12, 2022.

Wigdahl, Sandra

February 16, 1942 - July 9, 2022

Survivors: husband LeRoy; sister Janice Heath and brother Larry Torske; sons: Matthew (Robin) and Nathan (Julie); five grandchildren: Thomas, Brooke, Katherine, Brody, and Jonathan Wigdahl.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, July 14, at 2pm at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair. Visitation prior to services beginning at 12pm.

Campbell Aman Funeral Home, 444 S. 17th Street, Blair, NE 68008

#3 Printed in the July 19, 2022 Pilot-Tribune

Story by Elizabeth A. Elliott--news@enterprisepub.com

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'It takes volunteers like Sandra'
Longtime DAAL volunteer is remembered

Sandra Wigdahl volunteered with the Danish American Archive and Library for several years.

A big part of the Danish American Archive and Library is missing with the death of Sandra Wigdahl on July 9.

Wigdahl was one of the most active loyal volunteers since 2006, according to executive director Jill Hennick in a Facebook post.

“She was a member of our board and its executive committee, she also edited and wrote for the Jottings newsletter, making it the stylish publication it is today,” the post said.

“If it wasn't for Sandra, I don't think the Archive would exist here,” Hennick said. “The person in charge was a visionary and wanted it done, but it takes people like Sandra to do all the jobs that need to be done to make it happen.”

Hennick said Wigdahl was involved in decision making, day-to-day operations, marketing, publicity and events.

“She was a tireless advocate for the DAAL and a source of energy and commitment that will be sorely missed,” she said.

Hennick said Sandra would be overwhelmed to learn that the Facebook post reached more people than any of our other posts about an individual.

“Sandra had unique traits,” she said. “She always showed her appreciation to individuals and businesses that benefited the Archive, and was critical of those that did not.”

Hennick said Sandra was very professional in everything she did.

“By setting the bar high for herself, she encouraged those around her to do their best,” she said. “She had a great sense of humor and was a natural storyteller which enlivened our events and coffee breaks.”

Hennick said Sandra was very direct.

“I think that's what people liked about her,” she said. “She was professional but told you exactly what she wanted. She always let people know when they did a good job and how much she appreciated it no matter what she did for us.”

Myrv Christopherson, former Dana College President and former development advisor to the Archive said Wigdahl “has been such a gift to the Archive.”

President of the Danish American Archive and Library Gary Madsen said it was a “terrible loss for the Archive since she was such a powerhouse.”

Fellow Archive board member Palma Plume said they had hoped that Sandra might have a bit more time.

“I will miss her wit and energy at the Archive and the lunches we had,” she said.

Volunteer Barbara Garrett said Sandra was always welcoming.

“I appreciated her no-nonsense direction and dry wit. In return, she was always quick to note her appreciation of tasks I performed, even those I didn't think were that troublesome. It made something as simple as picking out colored napkins for the Kringle Mingle seem important.”

Garrett said her best memories include the times she joined everyone for morning coffee.

“The stories she and those around the table shared were fascinating, and each participant had a different perspective,” she said.

Sandra's friend of more than 70 years said she didn't complain about her circumstances.

“In the past months when she was undergoing so many medical issues and treatments we talked on the phone often and never once did she complain, taking everything in stride and maintaining that wonderful sense of humor that was her hallmark,” Linda Criswell Holzapfel said. “Sandra always brought out the best in me and allowed and made me comfortable in being who I really was.”

#4 Funeral leaflet

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In Loving Memory of Sandra Lou Wigdahl

Born February 16, Hardin, Montana ~Entered Into Rest July 9, 2022 Blair, Nebraska

Memorial Service 2pm Thursday, July 14, 2022 Campbell Aman Funeral Home Blair, Nebraska. Officiating: Pastor Scott Frederickson, Ph.D. Musical Selections: "How Great Thou Art", "And Your Bird Can Sing", "Handle With Care"

Campbell-Aman funeral Home

~~~Obituaries and funeral leaflet courtesy of Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file at the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave # 241547168