A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey. Interment to follow at Humphrey St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was Monday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Visitation continued Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until service time, all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Francis School Wish List.

Ann was born on March 15, 1925, to John and Margaret (Tonyon) Brandl near Cornlea, Nebraska. She grew up on the family farm as one of 8 children. After graduating from Sacred Heart in Cornlea, she moved to Omaha for a couple of years and was employed as a nanny. On Feb. 8, 1945, Ann married the love of her life, Wilfred Sand, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cornlea, Neb. After their marriage, they settled in Humphrey and bought the IGA Store. Ann helped Wilfred in the store until their retirement in 1985.

Over the years, they spent uncountable weekends and holidays hosting gatherings of family and friends. The grandkids loved coming and spending time at Grandma & Grandpa Sand’s in Humphrey. The home that they built in 1960, just north of the dance hall, was like a second home to many and where they still gather today. Everyone was always welcome to come join in a game of cards or just to visit. She shared her love of cooking with the kids and grandkids. Her Christmas Cookies, meatloaf, and potato salad were just a few of a long list of her family’s favorites. If you ever asked her for a recipe, she would give you the ingredients, but was never quite sure of the exact measurements. One thing for sure, we all knew Mom’s just tasted better.

An annual family & friends’ trip to Las Vegas over her birthday was something we all cherished for over 30 years. The last trip together was to celebrate her 94th birthday in March of 2019.

Ann was an amazing seamstress, providing beautiful clothes, blankets and most anything that needed a stitch. She was always ready for a good card game and had her little pouch of money ready to make the games a little more exciting. She was fun-loving and her welcoming

Anna (Ann) Marie Sand

smile and gentleness made everyone feel at home.

Ann moved to Meridian Gardens for the past two years where she got to know many of the residents and enjoyed their company and many visits from family. She introduced the card game of golf to Meridian Garden friends.

Ann had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and instilled this in her children and grandchildren. She was sure to pray the rosary daily and had a love for the Divine Mercy. She also had a great devotion to Brother Simon Van Ackeren and prayed for his canonization to sainthood.

Ann is survived by daughters: Carolyn Thomas of Redwood City, California; Margaret (Dale) Renner of Norfolk, Neb.; Jane (Mark) Winterringer of Yankton, S.D.; Julie (Randy) Ditter of Omaha, Neb.; sons: Alvin (Mary) of Lincoln, Nebr.; Jerry (Cindy) of Lenexa, Kan.; nine grandchildren: Kelly (Curtis) Flaig; Aimee (Mike) Nebel; John (Jodi) Sand; Eric (Paula) Renner; Elly (Eric) Fugleberg; Kristi (Rob) Black; Amber (Ryan) Anderson; Katie (A.J.) Ernst; Will Ditter; 29 great grandchildren; sister and best friend, Delores Berg; sisterin- law, Lucille Sand; and many nieces and nephews.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents John and Margaret Brandl; husband, Wilfred; infant twin sons, Terry and Todd; daughter Donna Uher; son-inlaw, Dave Uher; son-in-law, Rich Thomas; brothers and spouses, John (Dorothea), Joe (Donna), Lenny (Velma), and brothers Raymond and Jerome; infant sister, Margaret; and brothersin- law and sisters-in-law James Berg, Charles and Angela Sand, Joe and Charlotte Cremers, Vic and Mildred Preister and Francis Sand.

Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com