Sandra F. Orender

Sandra Faye Orender, 70, of Albion, NE passed away Thursday, August 18, 2022, at UnityPoint Health in Sioux City, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Immanuel-Zion (South Branch) Church rural Albion, NE (1726 310th Ave, Albion, NE 68620) with Vicar Elizabeth Goehring and Rev. Terry Larson officiating. Interment will be at South Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Sandy was born on March 25, 1952, to Iver G. and Darlene (Claus) Bygland in Lincoln, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Zion Lutheran Church (South Branch) in rural Albion, NE. She attended rural grade school at District #57 through the 8th grade and then graduated from Albion High School in 1970. She attended Northeast Community College receiving her LPN degree. Following college, she worked at Clarkson hospital in Omaha, NE, the Schuyler hospital, and the Schuyler packing plant until returning to school in 1982 to obtain her Associate Degree in Nursing from the College of Saint Mary. Following graduation, she worked in Omaha and North Platte in surgical oncology and later medical auditing. She continued her education taking night classes in North Platte working towards her bachelor's in nursing degree.

On September 14, 1991, Sandy was united in marriage to Doug Orender at Zion Lutheran Church in North Platte. In 1992 she was diagnosed with MS. She retired in 2007 and moved back to Albion to be closer to family and friends. She helped start The Gift of Hope, a nonprofit organization, in North Platte to help cancer patients with the cost of treatment and help them get supplies. In later years Sandy enjoyed volunteering at the Food Pantry in Albion. She also was involved in church activities. Sandy loved antiques and craft shows, crafting, baking and any outdoor activities. She especially enjoyed shopping with her mom in furniture and interior design stores. She loved decorating her own home for each season and holiday. Most of all Sandy was the best aunt, always buying candy and presents for each holiday for her nieces and nephews and more recently great-nieces and nephews.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Doug of Albion, NE; her furry friends (Sam, Izzy, and Piper); three brothers: Steve (Lynn) Bygland of Albion, NE; Greg (Ginger) Bygland of Albion, NE; Jim (Connie) Bygland of Tulsa, OK; along with many nieces and nephews.

Joining Sandy in heaven two days later was her father Iver Bygland, welcoming them was her mother, Darlene Bygland; an infant sister, Susan Kaye; grandparents: John and Isabelle Clause and Iver S. and Tillie Bygland.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com .