Sandra Sue Horvath

Sandra Sue (Wilson) Horvath 1946-2024

Sandra Sue (Wilson) Horvath, died peacefully with her daughter Jacquelyn by her side on November 11, in Sioux City, IA. Sandra was the daughter of Richard and Audrey Wilson, both WWII Veterans which made her proud. She grew up in the prairie town of Redfield, SD, working at her family’s Wilson Motel and attending Redfield schools with her sisters, Linda, Teddy, and Kathy, as well as her cousins and friends who were like family.

She enrolled at Northern State University and paused when she married Kenneth Johnson. Their three children were born in Michigan, where they lived many years. She resumed her education after divorce and became a Registered Nurse, graduating first in her class. She was always encouraging people to go to nursing school and reminding them that it’s not too late!

Sandra worked at busy Chicago hospitals, did home health and hospice, and was nursing director of the South Dakota Developmental Center. She moved back to Redfield, which always was “home” and enjoyed rekindling friendships and connections. She bought the little red house on 7th Ave that her grandparents built and had been her parents’ before her. She spent happy years reading and gardening after retirement. 

Due to health challenges, Sandra moved to Sioux City to be near Jacquie. She grew to love her new community and friends, as well as her apartment decorated with turquoise accents and a thousand family photos. 

Sandra’s children wish to thank the staff of Charter Senior Living, who always treated Sandra with kindness and respect, Dr. Drew, the family medicine residents and the team at Hospice of Siouxland, and her cousin Belva who was so dear to us and helped immeasurably over the years. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother who died in infancy. She is survived by family across the country. Her children: Chad Johnson, Jessica (Edward) Bloom, Jacquelyn (Daniel) Irwin. Her siblings: Linda (Leo) Stoltz, Theodora (Robert) DePompelo, Kathleen (Keith) Halphide. Her beloved grandchildren: Vivian, Avery, Cole, Owen, and Isaac.

A celebration was held at Charter Senior Center. In lieu of flowers the family would direct donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or charitable organizations of your choice. At her request, Sandra’s body has been donated to the University of South Dakota Medical School to further scientific education. 

Sandra wrote: “Please celebrate the wonderful life I had rather than being sad at this time. I would like everyone that wants to be together to enjoy the love and friendship I have enjoyed all of my life from each of you.”