Sandra "Sandi" Dee (Nelson) Johnson

Sandra “Sandi” Johnson

1943-2024

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend

Sandra “Sandi” Dee (Nelson) Johnson, loving wife, devoted mother and proud grandmother passed peacefully on the morning of April 1st, 2024. She was surrounded by the love of her family, a gentle breeze filling her room, her favorite music playing and with her husband's hand in hers. It was fitting that it was the two of them together in the end as it all began with their love. Sandi and Paul shared 60 years of marriage, two children, six grandchildren, and even three “bonus” grandchildren. At the age of 81, Sandi’s greatest love and source of pride was her beloved family and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them.  

She is survived by her adoring husband, Paul, who was an endless supplier of Sandi’s laughter and love throughout the years. Sandi had beautifully close relationships with her two children Tom Johnson of Ridgefield, CT (wife Liz Reynolds & her children Elise, Ella and AJ) and Debbie Palasek of Plymouth, MN (husband Joe), grandchildren Lindsey Holzer (husband Dan), Laura Palasek, Katelyn Palasek, Megan Johnson, Ryan Johnson and Kevin Johnson and their mother, Debbie Sickler Johnson, and sister Roberta Jasa (husband Chuck). She is predeceased by her mother, Georgia Smith Krehbiel, and father, Robert D. Nelson, and will delight in being reunited with them.

Sandi was born in Chicago, IL, and during the course of her life called several places her home, including Glen Ellyn, IL, Madison, WI, San Marino, CA, Pasadena, CA (where fate brought her and Paul together), La Cañada, CA, Westport, CT, Shorewood and Mound, MN, and Vero Beach, FL. Sandi created long-lasting connections and deep friendships throughout her life.  She was also a lover of all animals, including her beloved companion, Bailey. She was known for her warmth, her fun-loving nature and immense passion for her family.  She was a committed volunteer for numerous organizations, an avid reader, the life of the party, and fun seeker. She had an easy laugh and always found delight in the ways that Paul made her giggle. She treasured being a mom and considered her daughter Debbie her best friend. She looked forward to their daily phone calls to check in and share funny stories. She appreciated the way her son, Tom, would make her laugh as they shared a similar sense of humor. Being “Grammy” to her six grandchildren brought her extra fulfillment and pride, and she cherished the beauty of each of their different personalities. She reveled in their happiness as they grew and achieved their goals. She especially loved watching them fall in love, as she wanted for them the kind of love she had with Paul. 

In her later years, Sandi could often be found reminiscing about cherished memories and funny stories from her many family vacations at the ranch in Montana, ski trips (spending more time in the lodge), yearly trips to Newport Beach, family vacations in Mexico with all of the growing grandchildren, and, finally, the time spent on Lake Minnetonka. For Sandi, it wasn’t so much the place or geographic location that brought a smile to her face, but it was the time shared with her family and friends that brought a sparkle to her eye, a smile to her face and made her heart content. 

Sandi held the pen to her beautiful story. She wrote of dreams of the future and memories of the past, all the while embracing challenges and taming heartache. She wrote her story based on unconditional love, warmth, tenderness and vibrance. She wrote her story of healing and following her heart. She wrote it and lived it with passion and enthusiasm.

Legacy is not so much about what you leave “to others” in life but what you leave “in them.” Sandi leaves a legacy of love, a sense of joy, commitment, affection, celebration and devotion for her loved ones. Her legacy will live on in the memories and hearts of the countless lives she touched.

A celebration of Sandi’s beautiful life will be memorialized on Monday, April 15th 11:00 at Wayzata Community Church in Wayzata, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, a place near and dear to Sandi’s heart where she and Paul spent many hours volunteering.

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