Kenneth Sand
July 27, 2008
Kenneth Wayne Sand, 77, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 27, 2008. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street SW, Altoona, with visitation from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Additional services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, August 1, 2008 at Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel, 708 N. 6th, Beatrice with visitation from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow Friday’s service at Evergreen Cemetery in Beatrice, NE.
Ken was born June 17, 1931 to Albert and Minnie Sand on a farm near Odell, NE. He grew up in Beatrice, NE where he graduated high school in 1949. After four years in the U. S. Air Force, three years stationed in England, he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Peru State College at Peru, NE and completed his Doctor of Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska. After teaching three years, he was superintendent of schools for two years at each Barneston, Polk, and Alvo-Eagle, Nebraska.
In 1966, Ken crossed the Missouri River and became superintendent of schools for eight years at Shenandoah, Iowa and then moving to Altoona in 1974 to become the superintendent of Southeast Polk Schools. He retired in 1991 and became a complaint investigator for the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, working also as a Level II investigator for a number of individual school districts.
Ken served on many committees and boards, mostly dealing with education and serving youth. He retired after 20 years from combined service of the Area Draft Board and the State Appeal Board. He served as president or chairman of such organizations as the Iowa Association of School Administrators, the Aeronautics Education Council of Iowa, considering the highlight of such experiences his ten years on the Board of Control of the Iowa High School Athletic Association where he served a term as chairman and was recipient of their most prestigious honor, the Award of Merit. Volunteer efforts included Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club in Shenandoah, Boy Scouts, Foundation Committee for the Altoona Library, board member of the Altoona Campus fitness center, and the Advisory Board of the Boys and Girls Reformatory in Mitchellville.
In 1991, he was appointed as the Altoona representative to the Polk County Aviation Authority. It became the fastest growing airport in the Midwest and today is known as the Ankeny Regional Airport.
Ken is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Tamara (Kevin) Franks of Essex, Susan Sand of Des Moines, Vicki Reed of Des Moines, Kimberly (Jim) Thompson of Altoona, Marcia (Jim Clark) Anderson of Ames, and Duke (Carolyn) Sand of Kansas City; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Virginia) Sand; sisters, Marcia (Dr. Omer) Reed and Dorthy (Jim) Staehs; and a host of other family and beloved friends. Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche (Obering) Sand; and his parents.
Memorial contributions may be given to Lutheran Church of the Cross, Iowa Hall of Pride, or Iowa Health Home Care Hospice.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Deb (Creighton) Long
08/14/2008
What sad news I received today from my mom! As she returned from Minnesota she received the news that your father has passed. What a tremendous loss! I must tell you that the impact of your parents in our families lives is unforgettable! The sincere friendship they possessed is one we all should hope to have with others in our life times! Even when you dad was suffering with his illness, he came to share in our grief during the death of our father and his friend in October of last year. His thoughtfulness will never be forgotten! All I can say is Heaven will never be the same now that my Dad greeted yours as they continue their journeys in Paradise...together, once again! Thank you all for sharing such an amazing man with the Creighton family!
Dean and Natalie Ray
07/31/2008
We are saddened to hear of your Dad's passing and send our deepest sympathy to each of you. We have been missing his email messages recently and our whole family will miss being entertained by his Christmas letters! Ken will be missed by the many lives he touched - a great guy to have as a friend.
Blessings, Dean and Natalie Ray
Kathy Adams Temme
07/29/2008
I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I have several fond memories of your family as we all grew up in Shenandoah.
Kathy Adams Temme
Omaha Ne
Cheryl Swain (Glover)
07/29/2008
I am really sorry about your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Cunningham
07/28/2008
My sympathy is with all of the family. While in Shenandoah, Ken and I became friends even though he was my superintendent. His friendship was the same every time I saw him. We were proud that he had some of his career in Shenandoah and followed his accomplishments. Again, my sympathy extends to the family.