Sandi Leonard

Sandi Sue Leonard, 79, of Kearney lost her battle to pancreatic cancer at 7:10 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020. She closed her eyes and peacefully died with loved ones by her side. Sandi fought long and she fought hard exceeding her expectations first given in May of 2019.

Sandi’s funeral will be held 10:30 a.m., today (Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020) at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney with Jim Rookstool officiating.

Visitation was held 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and one hour prior to services both at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home.

Sandi Sue Leonard (Garst) was born Sept.4, 1940, in Jamestown, Kan., to Charles and Velma (Jamison) Garst. She was raised and attended school in Mankato before meeting and marrying Harry Rosco Leonard, Jr. Sandi and Jr. united in marriage July 27,1957. In September of 1958, they welcomed their first born, Cynthia, then four years later their boy, Wade. They would raise their family on the road moving across the Midwest as Jr. worked construction. Sandi made each place a perfect home. She was the epitome of a homemaker with her children and home looking pristine. They later settled in Kearney. Sandi gained a job at Baldwin Filters and later at West Company.

Sandi enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and crafts. She also looked forward to casino bus trips with her husband and friends. Most of all, Sandi enjoyed time and cooking for her family. Her chicken and noodles along with her potato salad were family favorites and were anxiously awaited. Each new family member would be presented with a handmade blanket, signed “Made with love, Nana.”

Survivors include her husband, Harry Leonard Jr. of Kearney; daughter, Cynthia (Mike) Beaver of Gibbon; grandchildren, Amber Wright, Ashley Turner, Mark Kniffen, Logan Stump, Dylan Kniffen; six great-grandchildren; brothers, James (Letha) Garst of Mankato, Paul (Darlene) Garst of Mankato; sister, Shirley Hancode of Englewood, Colo .; brother-in-law, Ron (Sheri) Leonard of Kearney.

Sandi was preceded in death by her parents; son, Wade Leonard; grandson, Tony Turner; brothers, Virgil, Verle, Guy Neal, Darrel, Charles and Delmer; brother-in-law, Henry Leonard.

Memorials are suggested to the Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings, Neb. or to Concrete Cares. Condolences may be shared online at http://www.osrfh.com. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.