Sandra “Sandy” Traxler

Obituary

Sandra Anne (Keinz) Traxler was born on December 11, 1942, in Mankato, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Herman Keinz and Elizabeth (Blow) Keinz. Sandy was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her Catholic faith as a youth; she was a graduate of Cleveland High School Class of 1960. She furthered her education and earned a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Mankato, MN, Class of 1961; her nursing passion continued throughout her life in caring and talking with her patients. Much of her Harmony River days were spent in the commons area monitoring the nurse’s station and observing the neighborhood activities!

On September 29, 1962, Sandy was united in marriage to Theodore John Traxler, at a country church in Marysburg Township in Blue Earth County. Their marriage was blessed with four children, twin sons, Joseph and John, daughter, Connie and son, Jeffrey. The Traxler family resided in rural Hutchinson and farmed 70 acres, until building a home within the city of Hutchinson in 1988. Sandy was always very particular about her home and its upkeep inside and outside; there was rarely anything out of place. Sandy and Ted shared 56 years of marriage. In May of 2022, Sandy moved to Harmony River, where she made a family there, and resided until her passing.

Sandy was employed in the medical field most of her life, except when she was a young mother and devoted to her children and family time. She especially loved her LPN position at Hutchinson Medical Center in the minor surgery department, followed by coordinator roles with chiropractor Dr. Kuehl and dentist Dr. Lobeck. Sandy was a faithful member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.

Camping with her husband, Ted, was a favorite activity of Sandy and Ted’s, especially by a lake enjoying a “sundowner” at the end of the day. Sandy looked forward to playing bridge with her many “lady friends” and loved to entertain in her home. She was competitive in spirit and played poker with her siblings and grandchildren, even after moving into Harmony River. She loved music and played guitar in the 70’s. In retirement years, she was fulfilled in her home; watching Hallmark movies or any sporting event (Go Vikings, Twins or Wild!), listening to music, crocheting one of the over 350 beautiful afghans donated to her church and community or reading the next best novel, a list of almost 1300 she maintained. Holidays were an important and special family time for Sandy and included faith, gifts, the annual cookie bake and her beloved Christmas tree with a great cup of coffee.

Sandy especially cherished the time she spent with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; she loved when we would stop over or call. Visits and calls with Mom/Gramma were extended as she definitely had the gift to gab and laugh. She has left for us the advice that, “The most completely lost of all days is the one in which I have not laughed.”

Though her smile is gone forever, and her hands we cannot touch, we still have many memories of the mom and gramma we loved so much. Her memory is our keepsake, with which we’ll never part. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts. Always.

Sandy passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, at her Harmony River home in Hutchinson at the age of 82 years. Her family will dearly miss her smile, detailed stories and positive energy. Blessed be her memory.

Sandy is survived by her:
Twin Sons, Joseph Traxler and wife, Debbie and John Traxler and wife, Patty;
Daughter, Connie Kurtzweg and husband, Kurt;
Son, Jeffrey Traxler;
Grandchildren, Mathew Traxler and wife, Leah, Joshua Traxler and wife, Melissa, Lindsay Calderon and husband, Alex, Kayla Ruppert and husband, Samuel;
Great Grandchildren, Samuel Traxler, Claire Traxler, Jackson Traxler, Colton Traxler, Gabe Calderon, Logan Calderon, Austin Calderon, Maeve Ruppert and Gavin Ruppert;
Siblings, Lee Keinz, Mike Keinz, Pat Keinz, Pam Osmundsen, Jody Thisted, Tonni-Sue Keinz;
Sister-in-Law, Patsy Bell;
Many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Sandy is preceded in death by her Husband, Ted; Parents, Herman Keinz and Elizabeth Keinz; Sister, Kathy; Brothers-in Law, Sisters-in-Law, nieces and nephews.