- Date Of Birth: January 12, 1961
- Date Of Death: November 8, 2021
- State: Iowa
Valerie Ann Sandstrom-Sechser 60, of St Charles, IA passed away Monday, November 8, 2021, at Iowa Methodist Hospital.
Valerie was born on January 12, 1961, in Ringgold County Hospital to Albert and Louise (Northup) Sandstrom of Diagonal IA. She was married to John Sechser on November 24, 2006, at the Carroll County Courthouse and she lived in St. Charles, IA.
Valerie grew up and lived many years in Dallas Center, IA. As a child, she was a Camp Fire Girl, in the Explorers which included Indian Tribal Dancing. She was talented in Band, Jazz Band, and Choir. She graduated from Dallas Center-Grimes High School in 1979. Valerie attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA, and graduated with an AA degree in Business Administration in 1981. She later continued her education at Grandview University in Des Moines, Ia. Graduated in April of 2013 with a BS Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Management/HR Management.
Valerie was employed by Knapp Properties as HR/Payroll Administrator in West Des Moines, IA. Valerie and John were season ticket holders to the Iowa Wild hockey games, she loved to sew made beautiful quilts, jerseys for the Iowa Wild Mascot, and other memorable items for family members and friends. She also enjoyed reading and traveling, especially to the beautiful area of Laughlin NV where she planned to retire.
Valerie is a mother to three sons, Jake Mahon (Catie), Clinton Mahon (Lisa Culp), and Bernard Mahon (Holly Mestad). She is a proud grandmother to Wayne and JR Mahon, Deacon Schreck, and expecting granddaughter Mahon in the coming year. Valerie enjoyed watching her son’s T-Ball, baseball games as children, helping with scouting events, and other school activities. She was very proud of her sons for how they followed their own path, and of the hardworking men, they have become. She is also a stepmother to Megan Carvajal, and stepgrandmother (MOMO) to Lyla DiGiacomo, whom she enjoyed taking fishing, sporting events, and the hockey games.
Valerie is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Louise (Northup)Sandstrom, her sister Roseanne Sandstrom, her grandparents Gunner and Viola Sandstrom, Byron and Anita Northup, and her uncles Edwin and John Northup.
