GERALDINE “GERRY” SANDAU
Geraldine (Gifford) Sandau, one of three children of Rex and Fern (Dinnis) Gifford, was born August 24, 1934 in Beatrice, Nebraska. She attended Pawnee City Schools, graduating from high school in 1952. Gerry was a cheerleader in high school and worked as a lifeguard in the summers.
On August 3, 1957 Gerry was united in marriage to Melvin Sandau at First United Methodist Church on the Nebraska Wesleyan University Campus in Lincoln. The couple made their home in Lincoln until moving to Auburn, Nebraska in 1970. They were blessed with three children: Michele, Mark, and Jennifer.
While in Lincoln, Gerry worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. After moving to Auburn, she was employed as a bookkeeper for Darling Transfer and then as a receptionist for Dr. Ensz and the Auburn Family Health Center. Gerry was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She liked to knit wash cloths for others and enjoyed golfing and bowling.
After Mel’s passing in 2014, Gerry lived in their home in Auburn until becoming a resident of the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in March of 2016. It was there she passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the age of 84 years, 2 months, and 23 days. In addition to Mel and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Richard, sister Frances Kleinholz, infant daughter Jennifer, and son Mark.
Those left to cherish Gerry’s love include her daughter and son-in-law Michele and Richard Tanderup of Brownville; grandchildren and spouses Kevin and Carly Booth, Kraig and Amber Booth, Abby and Evan Chapman, and Angel Tanderup; 10 great-grandchildren plus one on the way; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Emily Spearman Cannon, was held Saturday, November 24, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln. Grace Burgert was accompanist for congregational singing.
Casket bearers were Kevin Paul Booth II, Kraig Burgert, Jeff Kleinholz, Scott Gifford, Evan Chapman, and Russ Schellpeper.
Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park in Lincoln.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.