Sara Mardesen

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   Sara Jane, daughter of Harry and Viola (Hansen) Sander, was born August 20, 1949, in Harlan, Iowa. She grew up in Elk Horn and graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton High School in 1967. Sara then attended cosmetology school in Des Moines.

   On November 30, 1968, Sara was united in marriage with Richard Mardesen in Elk Horn. They made their home on the family farm west of Elk Horn. Three children were born to this union. Sara worked in the beauty shop at Salem Lutheran Homes. In the early 1990s, the family moved to Valentine, Nebraska, for a short time before returning to Elk Horn. Sara then worked at Pipestone Artificial Breeders near Brayton. 

   Sara was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school for several years. She and Richard enjoyed traveling, especially to the West and Southwest U.S. For many years, Sara raised dogs and planted a garden. Sara cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren, rarely missing any of their activities.

   On Sunday, June 10, 2018, Sara passed away at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa. She was 68 years of age.

   Sara is survived by her husband Richard Mardesen of Elk Horn; three children: Heath Mardesen and wife Michelle of Oxford; Adam Mardesen of Elk Horn; and Katie Schmelzer and husband Tony of Tiffin; four grandchildren: Mary Kate and Timothy Mardesen of Oxford and Hunter and Sam Schmelzer of Tiffin; a brother Terry Sander and wife Neta of Elk Horn; a sister Carol Bartlett and husband David of Chandler, Arizona; a sister-in-law Sharon Nelson and husband Richard of Omaha, Nebraska, and a sister in law Sue (Darell) Mardesen Also, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard’s parents Vernon and Grace Mardesen, brother in law Darell Mardesen and a great-nephew Axel Bartlett. 

   Sara’s family will direct memorial donations to Elk Horn Lutheran Church and to the Ladies Circle.

Officiating

Reverend Keith Menter

Message In Music

“How Great Thou Art”   “Arms Of Love”

Darla Hansen, Vocalist

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Reverend Keith Menter, Vocalist

Janell Hansen, Accompanist

Casket Bearers

Mary Kate Mardesen    Tim Mardesen   

Hunter Schmelzer    Sam Schmelzer   

David Bartlett     Dick Nelson