Sandra Palo

Sandra L. Palo (Anderson), was born on March 26, 1944 in Duluth, Minnesota to Wesley and Noelle (Churchill) Anderson, growing up as the quintessential tomboy. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1962. Two weeks after graduating, she began an administrative job with St. Louis County Public Works Department, where she remained until her retirement in 2004. On August 22, 1964, she married George Palo at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth. They welcomed their son George Jr. in 1968 and daughter Kari in 1970. From the moment their first child arrived, Sandy did everything within her power to protect, provide for, and ignite the imagination of her children. She reveled in teaching her children about gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, and cooking, but most importantly, family and faith. Sandy devoted countless, patient hours to homework and perfect meal preparation, making it look seamless and easy. She never had to search for time, she simply always made it. Her free time was filled with knitting or crocheting blankets and clothing, while watching M.A.S.H. and Wheel of Fortune. After surviving her children's teenage years, her life took a dramatic turn, changing her direction in life. She was no longer a wife, and no longer had children to raise. Her mothering was channeled into her nieces and nephews. In 1988, Sandy met Reuben Grasmick, who taught her how to treat herself and break outside of her comfort zone. For 20+ years they enjoyed traveling, fine dining, and tossing verbal jabs back and forth. She learned what it was like to be the spoiled and not the spoiler. Even with Reuben in her life, she continued to mother every child that came into it… be it niece, nephew, their children or her grandchildren. As she settled into retirement, she felt free to spend time enjoying her interests. Her eclectic collections of porcelain dolls, Elvis memorabilia, shot glasses, and carousels continued to grow. She immersed herself in reading and completing both jigsaw and crossword puzzles. Reuben's death in 2011 brought about another change. At a time when no one was having babies for her to spoil, Sandy chose to adopt Molly and Tiffany - her fur babies. The lives led by that dog and cat would leave any of you feeling neglected. Throughout Sandy's life, her focus was always on those she loved, and bringing joy into the lives of others. Seeing the reaction on the face of others opening gifts, or eating a fabulous meal, was the greatest joy she ever wished for. She relished any time spent with family, and looked forward to events like the Renaissance Festival, Shrine Circus, and annual Garden Lake trips, simply because she could spend it with those she loved. If her body hadn't held her back, she would have proudly attended every recital, ceremony, meet, and athletic event her grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews participated in. Until her very last day here with us, she was planning the next holiday celebration. On June 2, 2017, Sandy was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior at 7:30 p.m., surrounded by many of those who meant the most to her. She slipped away gracefully and peacefully, leaving us thankful we could witness that final gift given to her. Sandy was preceded in death by her significant other, Reuben Grasmick; father, Wesley Anderson; brother, Dean Anderson; brother-in-law, Russ Mertes. She is survived by her children, George (Roxann), Kari (Carlos) Eberhardt; mother, Noelle Anderson; grandchildren, Hayley, Heather, Isabella, Zacharey, Sofia, Kohley, Laila; siblings, Diane Anderson, Lynn Mertes, Leslie Anderson, Sherri (Brian) Ohnstad; sister-in-law, Pat Anderson; many beloved nieces and nephews; fur babies, Molly and Tiffany; and dear friends. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2017 at Emmanuel Baptist-Duluth Heights, 1505 Eklund Avenue, Duluth. Visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Oneota Cemetery, Duluth, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Animal Allies or Solvay Hospice House. Please wear blue in her honor.

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Funeral Home: Mattson Funeral Home 343 North Shore Drive Forest Lake, MN US 55025

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Previous Events

Visitation
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Service
Monday, June 12, 2017
cemetery
Monday, June 12, 2017
Visitation
Monday, June 12, 2017

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