Sandra "Sandi" Lyona (Kreager) Klindworth, aged 76 of Dodge Center, Mn peacefully passed away September 8, 2026, at her home.
Sandi was born August 16, 1950, to Clarence and June (Johnson) Kreager, in Dodge Center, Mn. Life as you may expect with three brothers was adventurous to say the least. Her childhood playmates were not only those rambunctious brothers, neighborhood kids, and plenty of quality time spent with cousins. She had fond memories of her days with Cindy, Rocky, Betty, Sharon and the list of her cousins on both sides of the family. As the only girl, she may have received a little extra love from her Grandma’s. Stories were shared of Grandma Johnson coloring with her on the pantry floor and the walks in Grandma Liz’s flower gardens.
She graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1968. After graduation Sandi moved to Rochester and worked as a candy striper at St Mary’s Hospital.
She was married to Richard Klindworth at Lincoln Lutheran Church in Lake City, Mn, February 14, 1970. They later divorced in January 1978. From their union arrived the loves of her life, Stacia “Staci” (Mike) Smith, Shelene “Shellee” (Terry) Rath, Richard “Rich” Klindworth Jr, Sharice “Shari” (Nelson) Lecea, Reginald “Reg” Klindworth and Shannon (Tracy) DuChene. They moved to West Concord, Mn in 1976.
Sandi knew no greater joy than raising her children. As a single mom for the majority of their childhood, she needed to provide for her children. Sandi enrolled at RCTC and earned her LPN nursing license. Sandi worked as an LPN at the State Hospital in Faribault, MN, an in-home nursing position in Austin, MN and finished her career at Fairview Nursing Home in Dodge Center, MN. She found great joy in bringing comfort to and caring for others. Through the care she gave, she gave humility, dignity and respect.
Days were long, the house was loud and chaotic yet she endured. She had Grandma and Pa for back-up and they came every Sunday. Steady with reminders, “Don’t let Pa find your bike laying in the yard and did you put all the toys back in the sandbox?" Sunday supper around that cramped kitchen table. Elbow to elbow with everything she cherished the most in the world. As if her six weren’t enough, they had friends. And they were always welcome. Sleepovers, games of hide-n-seek, tents on the clothesline, football player haircuts on Thursday in the kitchen. “What’s one more” was her motto. She was steadfast in teaching her children self-reliance, working for what they want and above all be true to and love one another because at the end of the day they had each other. The early years were meager, but her kids never knew. Nighttime ritual of prayers before lights out. She kept them warm, bellies full, a nice warm bed and safe (she only heard of the harrowing tales of the teenage years long after her beloved children had reached adulthood and were certain they wouldn’t be grounded).
As the children grew, married and gave her grandbabies, what she most valued was their visits. She always said, “They don’t do anything alone, but it’s hard to get them all together”. Sandi enjoyed word find books (like Pa), diamond art, electronic games and she can work a 1000-piece puzzle like nobody’s business. Sandi resided at Heritage Estates in Dodge Center where she made several friends. Who knew that 25 years after moving out of West Concord she would be neighbors with ladies from the old neighborhood, just in a new home. Coffee over a puzzle became her new pass time. As her health gave her new challenges to face, the residents at Heritage would always ask about mom, and stop down for celebrations when the family came.
One thing always made her smile, visits from the kids and grands. Phone calls, pictures and a visit would make her day. Her life has touched so many, her love had no boundary. We are better for having her in our lives.
Sandi is survived by her children and their spouses, 23 grandchildren and 15 (and counting) great-grandchildren; brother, LeRoy “Buck” (Connie) Kreager; sister-in-law, Pam Kreager; numerous nieces and nephews and her special friend, Richard Burkhardt.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; brother, Fred Kreager and brother, Richard “Dick” Kreager.
A funeral service for Sandi will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 308 2nd St NW in Dodge Center, MN with her son, Pastor Reggie Klindworth officiating, a luncheon will follow her service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her service at the church. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the American Heart Association.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507) 374-2155. Blessed be her memory.
