Delphian “Del” Sandvig

Delphian LuAnn Stensland Sandvig

Del was born in Badger, Iowa and passed away peacefully in Johnston, Iowa, after a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John Sandvig; parents, Osmund and Ella Stensland; grandson, Luke Sandvig; brothers, Vern (Ag and Noreen) Stensland, LeRoyn (Gloria) Stensland and Darryl (Joan) Stensland; sister, JoAnn (Joe) Halverson; in-laws, Louise (Clifford) Larson, Edith (Elmer) Saboe, Irene (Bert) Norem, Bertha Sandvig, Judith (Delmar) Hill, Stanley (Faye) Sandvig, Martha (David) Carson, and Arthur (Mary) Sandvig; Aunt, Clara Fevold. Survived by daughter, Jane (Barry) Fisher; sons, Doug (Tammy) Sandvig, Steve Sandvig, Kent (Julie) Sandvig; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Matt (Samantha; Austin, Jackson and Ella) Sandvig, Ben (Trisha; Chelsea and Tyler) Fisher, Jon (Shanna; Leonard) Fisher, Lili Sandvig and Luci Sandvig; and nieces and nephews.

Del was a woman ahead of her time. She led her life with a powerful passion. She was driven by a love of family and a zest for life. To many in her family she was Aunt Del and to even more she was a second mom. Born in 1922, women’s rights were essentially non-existent. She set about her life the only way she knew…to keep moving ahead. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School in 1939, she set off to Fort Dodge, where she lived and worked until 1949, when she married John Sandvig. In 1954, Del and John left the farm and built a motel in Humboldt, affectionately known as The Kozy Korner. It was successful due to the drive of owners, Del and John and Ag and Vern. Not only did she run a motel, but she also raised four children. Despite the demands of the motel, she always had time to support her children’s activities. In 1972, they sold the motel and moved up to “the hill”. After running a 24/7 business for 18 years, one would think Del would slow down. No chance. With the new house, Del had the space to entertain the entire Stensland and Sandvig families for gatherings. In addition, there was always her famous Kringla in the freezer and a pot of coffee on for their frequent visitors. Speaking of Kringla, she made 100 for her 100th Birthday Celebration. She went to work selling ads for the Humboldt Reminder for the next 22 years.

Del was active in the Humboldt Community. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for over 70 years. She also enjoyed golf at the Humboldt Country Club, sang with the Silver Sisters and served on the Humboldt Hospital Auxiliary. She touched many lives and will be missed by countless people.

A funeral service for Del will be held on Friday, August 14, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, with visitation at the church an hour before the 12:00 pm service. Conversation and refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at East Ullensvang Cemetery in Thor.