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Sandra Jean (Hardy) Marquardt, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026. Sandy was born on October 23, 1939 in Menomonie, Wisconsin to Mabel and LaVerne (Greene) Hardy. She grew up in Menomonie and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1958. After high school, Sandy attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. While a student at Wartburg, she met her future husband, Ken Marquardt, and they were married on August 25, 1962 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie, WI. Following their wedding, they lived in Dubuque, IA where Ken attended Wartburg Seminary and Sandy taught Kindergarten. From 1963-1967, they lived in Birnamwood, WI where Ken led Trinity Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran Church. In April of 1964, twin sons Brian and David were born.

In 1967, they accepted a call to First Lutheran Church of Crystal in Brooklyn Park, MN where Ken became Pastor of Youth and Evangelism. In April 1970, son Scott was born. During Ken’s ministry, Sandy helped raise their boys while supporting Ken in his ministry.

In 1977, the Marquardt family moved to Laurel, NE where Ken would lead United Lutheran Church for the next 25 years. During that time, Sandy worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional in the Laurel-Concord School District; was involved in Ruth Circle and raised a family.

After their retirement in July 2002, Ken and Sandy moved to Forest Lake, MN to be closer to family. Sandy enjoyed cheering on her grandkids in sports and school activities, spending time with friends, attending Bible Studies, and traveling.  Sandy moved to Good Life Senior Living in July 2025 due to failing health, where she passed away surrounded by her faithful husband and family.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Ken, and their three sons and their families; Brian and Kelly, children Tanner (Kaylie), Katy, and Reed, David and Liz, children Lauren, Keller, and Larsen, and Scott and Jennifer, children Jack (Oliva), Analise, and Emerson, many nieces and nephews and special niece Sheila (Ike) Lemke. Preceeded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy, Brother and Sister-in-law Elwood and Alice Marquardt, Marcella (Duane) Miller, and Delbert Marquardt.

Funeral service will be Thursday May 7 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at Lakes Free Church, Lindstrom, MN

Interment at a later date.

Per family’s request, Memorials may be sent to: CRU @ CRU Bible Donations Gideon’s @ Gideon's Bible Donations

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