Thief River Falls – Sandra Kay Parker, age 85, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Sandra (Sandy) was born in Wadena, on June 21, 1940, to Mark (Pete) Isherwood and Ione Isherwood (Ahlin), and was raised in Sebeka. Sandy met the love of her life, Mike (Michael) at an early age. Their childhood friendship quickly grew, and even in high school, they knew they wanted to spend their lives together. After Sandy graduated from Swedish School of Nursing and Mike from the U of M – Twin Cities, they married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebeka, on September 9, 1961. The two of them made their home in Perham, where they raised their two sons, Mike and Tim.
Sandy was passionate about taking care of her family, friends and all those around her, exemplified by her life-long nursing career. Sandy began her career as an RN at the Perham Hospital. While working full-time and taking care of her family, she still found time to continue her education and was promoted to Director of Patient Care. She was later offered a position as the Administrator for the CNC unit at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls (where she and Mike lived since 1986).
In addition to her love for nursing, she was an active member of the Lioness Club, the community and the church.
Sandy’s most cherished role, however, was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored spending time with her husband, sons, and grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to go to the shack with her husband, go golfing, or to share a few laughs. In her spare time, Sandy loved to knit, cook, and entertain. She loved a good visit and everyone was always greeted with a huge smile and warm hug! Sandy will always be remembered for her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved.
Sandy is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son, Mark.
She is survived by sons, Michael (Jennifer) and Timothy (Lori); and grandchildren, Trent, Tristen, and Tyler. She is further survived by her sister, Mary Stinson (Zlatko); and nieces, Stacy (Cory) and Jen (Reese).
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Reverend Stephanie White officiating.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Redeemer Lutheran Church of Thief River Falls, VIP (Violence Intervention Project of Thief River Falls), or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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