Geraldine J. Sande, 90, Dickinson, died Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at her home. Abiding by her wishes, her body was gifted to the University of North Dakota for anatomical studies. There will be an informal gathering of family and friends on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Geraldine’s home, 694 Palm Beach Road, Dickinson.
Geraldine Jermayne Stearns was born October 2, 1922, at Minot, the daughter of James and Irene (Drangstad) Stearns. She was raised and educated in Minot, graduating as Valedictorian of her class from Minot High School. She went on to attend school at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
While in Grand Forks, a young man approached her on buying a magazine subscription; which led to asking her out on a date. That evening they went on their date and after bringing her back to the dorm after closing time and not being able to get in, they decided the only other thing to do was to get married. The next day, November 8, 1940, Geraldine married Robert S. Sande in Crookston, Minn. They moved to Minot in 1940, to Minneapolis, Minn., in 1941, and back to Minot in 1949. Spending a short time in Williston, they moved to Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1951 where they owned and operated the El Rancho Thunder Bird Hotel and Café. The Sande’s moved to Spokane, Wash., in 1952 where Robert worked as a salesman until 1961, when they moved back to Minot and then to Dickinson in 1962, where she has resided since. While in Dickinson, they established the Sande Music Company and Pied Piper Arcades along with being a coin machine operator.
Geraldine loved to read, and especially enjoyed time spent with her children and family.
Geraldine is survived by her two sons, Philip J. (Paulette) Sande, Dickinson, and Frederick R. Sande, St. Paul, Minn.; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert on November 8, 2008, and her parents.
