LORRAINE SANDSTROM
October 11, 1922 ~ March 11, 2011
The heavens greeted a new angel when Lorraine Louise Sandstrom
passed away peacefully the morning of March 11, 2011.
"The world has angels all too few; and heaven is overflowing."
Lorraine was born on October 11, 1922 in Gaylord, Minnesota, joining her mother and father, Alvina and Willy Krueger as the youngest sibling to Werner, Elna and Meta, all who have preceded her in death. At the tender age of 14 she experienced the loss of a leg, something she never considered as a disability and was determined to not allow it to slow her down in anything she put her mind to.
When World War II erupted she followed her relatives to the west coast and began working at the Kaiser Shipyards and Alpenrose Dairy. It was during this time that she enjoyed the courtship of her husband-to-be Clayton "Sandy" Sandstrom and they married on May 5, 1946.
They settled down on a small piece of acreage in Hazel Dell where she lived until 1998, then moving into Vancouver. Lorraine was a stay-at-home Mom and taught her children by examples of her compassion and generosity. She served as a two-time President of Sarah J. Anderson PTA and attended several state conventions. She was also a member of the Lady Jaycees. She was active at St. Paul Lutheran Church since the 1950's, being a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, established the Order of St. John along with Clayton and worked in the church office. She was involved with the Lutheran Church Women as President, Education Chairman and Bible study leader for the Ruth Circle. She also worked on the funeral committee and was a proud member of the Diamond Daughters.
One of Lorraine's greatest joys was her granddaughter, Angie, who was the "apple of her eye". We'll forever be grateful for her sense of humor and the wisdom that she shared. Her strong faith helped her family and friends whenever they needed guidance. Her humility and acceptance will forever be an inspiration. We know that she is now our heavenly guardian angel and will continue her love for us as part of God's plan.
Lorraine is preceded in death by Clayton Sandstrom and son Gary Sandstrom.
She is survived by daughter Brenda (Jim) Tiefenthaler, grand- daughter Angie (Steve) VanderPloeg as well as Jamie (Missy) Tiefenthaler, Ben Tiefenthaler and Danielle Tiefenthaler.
We wish to offer special thanks to the ICU angels at SWMC; Ashley, Deborah, Danielle, Susan and especially Andy.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 13th & Franklin, Vancouver, WA.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life. Memorial contributions can be made to Evergreen Habitat for Humanity.
"The farther we go along the path of God,
the more angels we shall encounter."
Please view/sign her guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 31, 2011
March 31, 2011
March 31, 2011
BRENDA,JIM, ANGIE AND STEVE
YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.YOUR MOM/GRANDMA WAS CERTAINLY A SPECIAL PERSON TO SO MANY OF US AT ST PAUL.SHE WAS THAT SMILE, THAT CHEERY VOICE WHEN EVER WE CALLED. OUR VISITS WHERE NEVER SHORT. THERE WAS SO MUCH TO SHARE. BLESSINGS GERI HILLER
March 30, 2011
I only was with Lorraine a few times but she made a real impact on me as a woman sho loved her Lord and her family. I shared correspondence with her many times and her loving words and caring way shall stay with me always. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. Love to Brenda and Jim and family. Their Sis and Aunt Sue
Susan Tiefenthaler
March 29, 2011
To Lorraine's family: I served with her husband Clayton "Sandy" when we were in the Jacycees. I, also, had many contacts with Sandy when he was Clark County Assessor. I met Lorraine on several occasions during my time in the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce. May your memories of Lorraine's many strengths be a comfort to you. Ken Herman
Kenneth Herman
March 29, 2011
Brenda and Family:
Our circle of friends gets smaller and smaller as we all approach our home going! Lorraine was an 'overcomer' whose quiet and patient spirit was an inspiration to us all. May God grant you and family, strength, courage, comfort and peace now and in the days ahead!
Dave/Lois Bauman
March 28, 2011
Brenda,
Your mother was truly an inspirational person to many of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
What a blessing to know that she is with her savior in heaven.
Sharon (Hart) Gutz
March 28, 2011
Brenda and family,
What a blessing to have such a wonderful example in your lives of a mother and grandmother. One of the greatest blessings in life one could hope for is a beautiful family. God Bless you all!
Lester and Susan Riley
March 28, 2011
Lorraine was my Sunday School teacher for many years. Kind and accepting. Gosh, how I miss those days and her gentle ways.
Jim Moeller
March 28, 2011
Lorraine was my neighbor for nearly ten years and I was lucky enough to share many a cup of coffee, goodies, and laughter with her. She had a great sense of humor and she shared many a memory with me. She dearly loved her family and I was always made welcome whenever I dropped by. She was a very special person and I will greatly miss her and her wonderful spirit, although I know she is soaring high among the angels. Darlene Helms
March 28, 2011
Dear Brenda and Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
She was my second Mom from the age of 15. She was a love. Love Harri (Harriet Siepmann-Bruun).
Harri Bruun
March 28, 2011
I and the rest of the St. Paul family miss you greatly, Lorraine.
Alvin Berg
March 28, 2011
My prayers go out to the family. I didn't know her well but I do know she was an angel on earth. She will be greatly missed. Michelle Hoyt-Massaglia.
Michelle Massaglia
March 27, 2011
Angie VanderPloeg
March 27, 2011
Our condolences to Brenda and family. Lorraine was such a giving person and it was my privilege to know her. She will be greatly missed, especially by the St. Paul family.
Donna and Pat Kennedy
March 27, 2011
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