Sandra “Sandy” Stai

Obituary

Sandra “Sandy” Sue (Schaffer) Stai was born on January 17, 1950, in Morris, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Bennett and Marilyn (Thompson) Schaffer. Sandy was baptized as an infant at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Cyrus, Minnesota.

When Sandy was six years old her family moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota. During that time, she enjoyed Girl Scouts and babysitting. She also attended Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson where she was confirmed. Sandy graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1968. After high school, Sandy attended St. Cloud State University. She then moved to California to further her education.

While in California, Sandy met her first husband, Philip Vann. They were married November 20, 1975 and resided in Hutchinson, Minnesota. They were blessed with a daughter, Andrea Sue (Vann) Matheny. The couple later divorced.

Sandy was employed at 3M in Hutchinson. She completed her schooling during that time and was promoted to an accountant position. While there, she was also active as a First Responder. Sandy retired from 3M after 33 years of service.

In 1994, Sandy met Steven Stai. They were united in marriage on July 23, 1995. Sandy and Steve began their married life, building the home of their dreams on Lake Manuella in Darwin, Minnesota. They enjoyed spending time together snowmobiling, golfing, vacationing, gardening, and going on walks. They also enjoyed their retirement at the lake with friends and their combined family.

Sandy’s family was very important to her. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always available to watch the children at their activities or to take care of them when they were sick.

Sandy enjoyed reading and cooking and she was known for her delicious salads. She was always generous and thoughtful with gifts. She loved to see people happy with the things that she found for them. Sandy loved and cared for everyone, and would do all she possibly could to help them at any time. She loved to give hugs and you didn’t leave without hugging Sandy several times.

Sandy passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at the age of 70 years and 32 days. Blessed be her memory.

Sandy is survived by her:
Husband, Steven Stai of Darwin, MN;
Children, Andrea Matheny and husband, Lance of Brownton, MN,
                  Steven Stai, Jr. and wife, Tami of Woodbury, MN,
                  Shawn Stai and wife, Bobbie of Dassel, MN,
                  Melanie Welte and husband, Todd of Cokato, MN,
                  Nicholas Stai and wife, Andrea McBrady of Maple Lake, MN;
Mother, Marilyn Schaffer of Hutchinson, MN;
Brother, Barry Schaffer and wife, Julie of Hutchinson, MN;
Sisters, Jane Brinkman and husband, John of Winona, MN,
              Lorie Maurer and husband, Scott of Hutchinson, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Dennis Stai and wife, Susan of Sacred Heart, MN,
                               Michael Stai and wife, Valerie of Glenwood, MN;
Sister-in-law, Janet Martin of Maple Grove, MN;
Special Friends, Mike and Pam Woods of Hutchinson, MN;
22 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends

Sandra was preceded in death by her Father, Bennett Schaffer; Nephews Johnathon Brinkman, Troy Woods, and Niece Amy Schaffer.