Sandra Dannenbring

Sandra Kay Dannenbring, 72, passed away on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Sandy lived in Parkersburg, Iowa. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away in her home, surrounded by her family and so much love.
Her celebration of life will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church in Parkersburg.
Sandy was born in Waseca, Minnesota, on June 7, 1948, to Bud and Gert Smidt. She grew up in Minnesota and Iowa with 4 brothers. She graduated from Parkersburg High School. She furthered her education at the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a degree in elementary education. Sandy earned her masters degree from Viterbo University. She was an educator for 40 years, teaching grades 3rd through 6th in Iowa, Montana, Texas, and Nevada. Sandy was married in 1968 to Craig Etjen. They had three children together. Later they divorced. She married Lex Dannenbring on May 23, 1984. Sandy and Lex were married 37 years.
Being active in her church and community was very important to Sandy. She was a part of the United Methodist Women, Lions, American Legion Auxiliary, Friends of the Library, Dollars for Scholars, and the Butler County Democratic Party.
Sandy loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially going to her grandchildren’s activities and cheering them on. She was an avid reader and would read a book a day… often reading two at the same time. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling the world. Her trips included most of the countries in Europe. Always an educator, she enjoyed teaching her family and friends about all the countries she visited.
She is survived by her husband, Lex Dannenbring, 3 children, Derek (Jill) Etjen, Deren (Casey) Etjen, Josie (Chad) Mostek, 3 stepchildren, LariAnn (Adam) Helzer, Lisa (Casey) Liebsch, Gina Dannenbring, twelve grandchildren, Trevor (Lexi), Isabel, Kyle, Ellie, Addison, Lane, Gabe, Julia, Alexander, Grace, Sara, Tabor, one great-grandchild, Finn, and three brothers, Mike (Lisa) Smidt, Monte (Kandie) Smidt, Scott Smidt, and several nephews and nieces.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Gert Smidt, and her brother, Sprugeon Smidt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family. The memorials will be donated to the Parkersburg Library and to Dollars for Scholars to go towards a scholarship for a student majoring in education.