Wayne R. Sandee

Wayne R. Sandee, age 83, of Mankato, died on Monday, September 16, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. 

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Crossview Covenant Church.  Visitation will be Monday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior at the church.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. 

Wayne was born on November 28, 1935 to Walter and Mable (DeBruine) Sandee and grew up in Sheboygan County, WI.  Wayne was united in marriage to Carol Dirkse on June 22, 1956.  He served in the United States Army from 1958-1960.  Wayne earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Denver. He later developed the Social Work department at MSU, where he was a professor for 25 years.  Wayne was very involved in community service.  He was a charter member of the MN Valley Action Council, co-creator of the Mankato Area Coalition for Affordable Housing, founding member of PACT Ministries, and he helped start the ECHO Food Shelf.  Wayne was a longtime member of Crossview Covenant Church. Wayne was an avid reader and enjoyed camping, biking, traveling to all 50 states, and spending time with family. 

Wayne is survived by his wife, Carol; four daughters, Lynn (Brad) Ruhl, Cheryl (Edward) Blackford, Debra (Kevin) Herman, and Carla (Alan) Olson; nine grandchildren, Jessica (Jakob) Ondrey, Sarah (Craig) Nelson, Jacob, Erin, and Hope Blackford, Kayla Herman (fiancé, Siena Nassiri), Jamie Herman, Derek and Logan Olson; five great-grandchildren, Calvin, Rhys, and Poppy Ondrey, and Jack and Harper Nelson; sister, Delores Bruggink; sister-in-law, Marilyn Sandee; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, LeRoy and Roger; and sisters, Marion Tenpas and Dorothy Plopper.

The family would like to thank the Mayo Hospice Team for the wonderful care they provided.

Memorials are preferred to the Andreas Cancer Center, PACT Ministries, or the MSU Wayne and Carol Sandee Social Work Scholarship.