Sandra Tieszen, 80
Sandra Tieszen, 80, of Marion, S.D., passed away on Feb. 19 at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at First Church of God in Marion. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church with a time of sharing at 6:30 p.m.
Sandra Colleen Splonskowski was born to Delsie and Alphonse Splonskowski on April 3, 1943. She graduated from Marion High School in 1961 and later attended Sioux Falls College where she received her bachelor of arts degree in 1965. She was active in choir, performing and drama where she often played lead parts. In 1963, she was named Miss Sioux Falls.
Sandra married her high school sweetheart, Kennedy Tieszen, June 1, 1965. They initially made their home in Independence, Iowa and then moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where they both taught. In 1975, they returned to Marion where they took over the family farm. Ken and Sandra were blessed with two children: Kendra and Chad. Sandra played the role as farmwife, mother, and later returned to teaching vocal music at Marion School District for over 30 years.
She was a faithful member of the First Church of God in Marion serving in a variety of ways including worship leader, choir director, and Sunday school teacher, along with serving on many committees. Music was an extremely integral part of her life beginning at a young age and stretching into her more recent years. If she wasn’t singing, she was humming a tune. Aside from her strong faith, her love and devotion for her family and friends was unwavering. She adored her grandchildren, putting on many miles attending most of their activities. She was a wonderful role model and made sure to share God’s salvation, especially with those she loved.
As her health declined, she moved to the Tieszen Memorial Home Assisted Living where she continued to socialize with friends. The past year was spent in the Memory Care Unit; however, she remained physically active and enjoyed conversing with others. Despite her cognitive decline, her faith remained steadfast, continuing her prayer life until her last days.
She was preceded in death by her husband (Ken Tieszen), her parents (Delsie and Alphonse Splonskowski), and her sisters (Jill Harmsen and Nyla Harris).
Grateful for having shared her life are her children; Kendra Scheidt (Randy Finch) and Chad Tieszen (Christi); her grandchildren, Shania Drey (Shayden), Sheridan Scheidt, Shaeden Scheidt (Hannah), Mason Tieszen, Lance Tieszen and Derek Tieszen; her brother Stuart Splonskowski, and extended family and many friends.
