Sandra Marlene (Funk) Winegardner, age 85 of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, February,26, 2025, at The Cottages in Pella. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Coburn Funeral Home in Monroe. The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 12:00 -1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to Grace Alive Church in Prairie City, and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.
The daughter of Floyd D. and Ann (White) Funk, Sandra was born on October 2, 1939, in Lovilia, Iowa. She graduated from Lovilia High School in 1957. During her school years Sandra was the baton twirler for the marching band. On September 28, 1957, she was united in marriage to Robert E. (Bob) Winegardner. To this union, two children were born: Kimberlyn Jo and Douglas Brian. Bob and Sandra made their first home in Des Moines, moved to Carlisle in 1963, and to Knoxville in 1973. While in Carlisle they became members of The United Methodist Church. A few years after Bob’s passing in 2011, Sandra decided to sell their home and move to Monroe to live nearer to family.
Sandra was impeccably organized and kept an immaculate home. She also put her organizational skills to good use as she worked through the years as a secretary for various companies in both Des Moines and Knoxville. She particularly enjoyed her work for Lou Kershbaumer at Vending Machine Sales in Des Moines. She served this company for many years as office manager, working both in the Des Moines office and from her tidy little home office before retiring in 2014.
Sandra, affectionately known as Nana, was a fantastic cook and thoroughly enjoyed hosting her family on all kinds of occasions. Meals at Nana’s were always something special. She poured her heart into making sure everyone enjoyed the experience. Her table was set elaborately, and the food was delicious and plentiful. Even a regular weeknight meal was turned into a festive event. If her family was coming, they were going to be well fed and enjoy the experience.
Nana was a doting and loving grandmother to her six grandchildren, and they all loved her very much. Each one had a special relationship with her and held precious memories of her to cherish for a lifetime. There were sleepovers at Nana’s, little excursions here and there, and of course special treats tailored to the tastes of each child. Nana embraced being a grandmother to the very fullest. She was also thrilled to have the opportunity to travel to see and hold both of her great-grandchildren.
Those left to honor her memory include her children, Kimberlyn (Doug) McDaniel, and Douglas (Susan) Winegardner; six grandchildren, Ashley (Brandon) Goring, Cory Winegardner, Blaise Winegardner, Brock Winegardner, Brandon Winegardner, and Becca Winegardner; and two great-grandchildren, Emery and Micah Goring. Preceding Sandra in death were her parents.
