Sandra J. Jepsen

Sandra “Sandy” J. Jepsen, age 87, of Sabula IA, passed away peacefully at Eagle Point Nursing home on January 29, 2026. Sandy was born on January 22, 1939, in Iowa, to August “Butch” and Iola “Ollie” (Schmidt) Franzen.

Sandy lived a full life centered around friends and family. She loved working on puzzles, gardening, and canning, and especially treasured spending time at Manny’s, where she enjoyed good company and familiar faces. Her warmth, strength, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was first married to Raymond Woodhurst on February 18, 1955, and together they built a family. Later in life, Sandy married Eldon “Hans” Jepsen on June 10, 1989. They shared 26 years of marriage until Eldon’s passing.

Sandy is survived by her sons Ray “Steve” (Candi) Woodhurst, Lloyd “Lee” Woodhurst, Jerry “Toad” Woodhurst, and Sheldon Woodhurst, along with stepchildren; Rick (Kathy) Jepsen, Randy (Helen) Jepsen, Rhonda Vinet, Brenda Miller and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her much pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Debra Woodhurst; her husband Eldon Jepsen; her parents August and Iola Franzen; her sisters Aleda “Ede” Lohmeier, Lynanne Metz, Lanelle “Neak” Doermann, and Sharron Jess; and her brothers Nolan “Buck” Franzen, Terrill “Pete” Franzen, Lyndell “Bummy” Franzen, and Gaylen “Jiggs” Franzen.

Sandy’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.