Sandra K. (Aldrich) Kalina

Sandra K. Kalina, age 83 of Starbuck, died Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. In accordance with Sandra's wishes, a private family graveside service was at Calvary Cemetery in Glenwood. Arrangements were with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. In lieu of memorials, the family asks that you simply give your mother or grandmother a big hug.

Sandra “Sandy” Kay Kalina, the daughter of Laverne and Dorothy (Scharf) Aldrich was born July 18, 1938 in Spruce Hill Township, Douglas County, Minnesota. She grew up in Rose City with her parents and siblings. Sandy attended school in Alexandria and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1956. 

Sandy worked as a dental hygienist in Alexandria before meeting her husband, Joseph Kalina. They were united in marriage on June 18, 1962 at St. John Nepomuk Catholic church in rural Lowry. They made their home on the Kalina family farm in Lake Reno Township and were blessed with two children, Kimberly and Kenneth. Sandy was a loving homemaker and farm wife. She had a large garden and kept busy canning the produce for her family and to share with friends and was known to say “everyone needs cukes.” Sandy and Joseph continued to reside on the farm until they retired in 1993 and moved into Glenwood. The couple shared 32 years of marriage before Joseph died September 5, 1994. After Joseph’s death Sandy continued to live in the Glenwood and Starbuck area until she needed help with her daily care and moved into the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. She passed away there on April 23, 2022. 

Sandy marched through life to the beat of her own drum and will be remembered for the love of her family, especially her granddaughters. She will also be remembered for her fierce independence and quirkiness, going to garage sales, casinos, and for her love of Avon and genealogy.  

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Gary) Larson of Sauk Rapids; son, Ken (Matt Krupp) Kalina of Minneapolis; granddaughters, Chelsey and Carly (Nick Brown) Larson; great-grandson, Waylon Brown and was looking forward to another great-grandchild in June; sister, Joann Benesh of Roseville; sister-in-law, Dorreen Chermak; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne and Dorothy Aldrich; husband, Joseph Kalina; sister, Janice Aldrich; siblings-in-law, Clara (John) Kroulik, Anna (Raymond) Dvorsak, Marie (Donald) Dvorsak, John (Dorsey) Kalina and Arthur Chermak.

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