Sandra Kay (Kupka) Andrus of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2020, surrounded by her family.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 1 p.m., with Father Jacob Rouse officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
Sandra was born to Ervin and LaVonne Kupka of Cresco, Iowa, on July 25, 1945. She graduated from Crestwood High School. She later met and married Jerome Andrus of Cresco on August 3, 1963, and they later divorced. Sandra held many positions in her career. She was a secretary for Farm Service and the Cresco Hospital, a teacher’s aide for many years in the school system, and she was a baker’s assistant for several years. She taught catechism (CCD) for over 20 years. Up until the time of her retirement, she had been a certified nursing assistant and a part-time substitute teacher.
Sandra’s hobbies included reading books; she had her own library in her home, craft making, crocheting, dining out, and long car rides. She especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren.
Sandra is survived by her three brothers: David (Betty) of Waukon, Iowa, Darwin (Jackie) of Decorah, Iowa, and Dean (special friend Rhonda) of Cresco, Iowa; two children: John Andrus (fiancé Donna Shampine) of New Port, N. C., and Suzanne (Dennis) Hyke of Preston, Minn.; six grandchildren: Andrew Hyke and Rachel Hyke, both of Preston, Minn., Jacob Hyke of Canton, Minn., Isaiah Hyke of Harmony, Minn., Justin Andrus of Decorah, Iowa, and Jaimison Andrus of Boise, Idaho. She is also survived by one great-grandchild, two nieces, and one step-great-granddaughter.