Sandra Evans, 73, passed away on May 29, 2020, in her daughter’s home in Decorah, Iowa. She was born on January 25, 1947, in Cresco, Iowa, to Elmer Slifka and Eleanor (Tieskotter) Slifka.
Sandra grew up in Mabel, Minn. She graduated from Mabel High School in 1965. After high school she attended Winona State University in Winona, Minn., where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1969.
Sandra married Charles Gossman on June 20, 1970, in Mabel, Minn. The couple lived in Fountain, Minn., and had two children, Trevor Lee Gossman and Shannon Lea (Gossman) Duncan. Charles passed away on January 7, 1977.
On August 10, 1979, Sandra married Chad Evans in Decorah, Iowa. They continued to reside in Decorah until her passing.
Sandra spent her career as an elementary school teacher. Her first year was in the Lansing School District in Lansing, Iowa, and the remainder of her career until her retirement in 2009 was spent in the Wykoff School District in Wykoff, Minn., and later Kingsland School District in Spring Valley, Minn. She was passionate about helping students learn and grow. To this day she is still remembered by many of her students as their favorite teacher.
Sandra enjoyed sailing, gardening and crafting of all kinds. She was a devoted pet owner and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Sandra is survived by her husband Chad Evans, her son Trevor Gossman and his wife Madeline Montanez, her daughter Shannon (Gossman) Duncan and her two grandchildren, Sierra Duncan and Aria Duncan.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Eleanor (Tieskotter) Slifka and her first husband, Charles Gossman.
No funeral services will be held at this time. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Leanne (Jacobson) Schnabl says
She was certainly my favorite teacher. I have fond memories of her.
Lisa Vorwerk says
Sandy was my 3rd grade teacher and also my oldest son’s. She was a favorite of both generations.
Duane Rasmussen says
Very sorry to hear that,She also taught me when I was in grade school ,very wonderful teacher my condolences go out to her family and friends, prayers to all!!
Sharon Goede says
My thoughts and prayers are with Sandy’s family….I got to know her when she was teaching in Spring Valley…
so many students were fortunate to have her as their teacher..
LeRoy and Marlys Rowe says
Our deepest sympathies to all of her family. Sandy had a wonderful gift in her teaching. My children were fortunate to have had her. We are so sorry for your loss.