Sandra Parsons

 

PARSONS, Sandra Jo

Sandra (Sandy) Jo Parsons, 73, of La Crosse, Wis., died Sunday, June 10, 2012, in Bethany St. Joseph Care Center, La Crosse, Wis. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, July 25, 1938 to Paul and Blanche (Lewis) Parsons.

Sandy was a fiercely independent risk taker who constantly reinvented both herself and her life, working such varied jobs as insurance sales, farmer, radio advertising, social services administration and grant writer. She returned to college in the 1990’s, spending eight years to earn three degrees, including her doctorate in education.

Sandy was a champion of women’s rights and passionate about the education of both children and teachers, especially in Native American communities.

 

Everyone knew Sandy as a voracious reader, educator, movie-watcher, and great cook who made everyone’s favorite potato salad and butterscotch cookies.  She enjoyed the tall pines of Bemidji, a sturdy boat, and a lake full of fish, almost as much as a camper full of gas heading to parts unknown. Sandy was an avid Green Bay Packer and Minnesota Twins fan.

 

Sandra lived her life her way; the day before her passing, she asked her sister-in-law, Joan Molter Hahn,  “We don’t care what they think, do we?” She was always advocating for fairness and equality. She lived a brave life of adventure, attention to others, and love for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

 

Sandra is survived by her four children, Eric Molter (Kristen Neurer), Diane (Layne) Walker, Clarke (Liz) Molter, and Al (Joyce) Molter as well as ten grandchildren, Christopher (Courtney), Benny (Alex), Christian, Benjamin, Cole (Sarah), Joey (Kirstie), Makayla, Alison, Dawson, Jack, and four great grand-children, Jesse, Charlie, Delaney, and Avery.

 

Sandy and her family want to thank the Mayo Health System, especially the teams in Hospice and  Women’s Health for her excellent care and treatment.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Private Burial will be held in Indianola, Iowa at a later date.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.blaschkeschneider.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to, White Earth Tribal College. ATTN: Deb McArthur 102 3^rd St. NE, Mahnomen, MN. 56557