Sandra Marlene Christman

Sandra (Sandy) Marlene Christman, 72, of Hokah, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in St. Lous Park, MN, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sandy was born on August 8, 1953, in LaCrosse, WI, to Roy and Mary (Sauer) Schaffer. She was raised in Hokah, MN, where she attended St. Peter's Catholic School and graduated from LaCrescent High School.

On a beautiful day in 1972, Sandy married the love of her life, Alan Christman. Together they built a loving home and raised four children: Shelly (Laurie) Christman, Paula Christman, Steve Christman, and Barry (Melissa) Christman. Sandra and Alan shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until Alan's passing in 2015. Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her six beloved grandchildren: Max, Monty, Chilynn, Sheila, Tanner, and Lily. She treasured every moment spent with them and was happiest when everyone was together.

After dedicating many years to raising her children, Sandy worked as a Nursing Assistant, where her gentle spirit, compassion, and caring nature touched the lives of countless patients and coworkers. She retired in 2019 after years of faithfully serving others.

Sandra was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and endless generosity. She showed her love through simple acts of service, especially in the kitchen. Family gatherings were made special by the large meals she lovingly prepared, and no holiday was complete without the large gatherings everyone looked forward to year after year.

She found joy in life's simple pleasures - vacations to Mille Lacs Lake, making memories at Shelly and Laurie's cabin, playing bingo and scratch-off lottery tickets, and spending time with her faithful 4-legged companion, Toby. Whether gathered around a family table, relaxing by the lake, or cheering on her grandchildren, Sandy's happiest moments were those shared with people she loved.

Sandy also demonstrated extraordinary courage. In 2020, she underwent a Whipple procedure after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She met that challenge with remarkable determination and grace and enjoyed six precious years cancer-free. Throughout her journey, she remained resilient and strong, inspiring those around her with her perseverance and quiet faith.

She is survived by her children, Shelly (Laurie) Christman, Paula Christman, Steve Christman, and Barry (Melissa) Christman; her cherished grandchildren, Max, Monty, Chilynn, Sheila, Tanner, and Lily; her siblings, Mike (Liz) Schaffer, Laraine (Jerry) Gorman, Jean (Rick) Schaffer, Ed (Lori) Schaffer, and Jake (Joyce) Schaffer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alan Christman; her parents, Roy and Mary Schaffer; and her brother-in-law, John Oelke.

Sandy will be remembered for her gentle heart, quiet strength, generous spirit, and unconditional love for her family. The memories she created around the dinner table, at the lake, and in the everyday moments of life will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Sandy's love, kindness, and legacy will continue to live on through her family for generations to come.

Service information to follow.