Sandy Hesse

Sandra L. Hesse, 77, of Waukon, IA, died Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 21st, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 AM until the time of services Thursday at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. 

Sandra Lynn Hesse was born on January 4, 1949, in Waukon, the daughter of Edwin and June (Landro) Leiran. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon, where she later taught Sunday School. She attended Waukon High School. On June 14, 1968, Sandy married Wayne Runice. To this union was born three children: Jay, Shelle, and Heather. Wayne passed away on July 4, 1986. She then married Orville Hesse on March 6, 2002. Orville passed away on October 21, 2008. One day while at a thrift store, Sandy met John Troendle. The two were married on April 15, 2023.

She was a very crafty lady and loved to crochet and sew. She also enjoyed gardening, working on puzzles, and collecting elephants. More than anything she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her husband John; two children: Shelle Fogt and Heather (Scott) VanGorp; seven siblings: Tom (Bev) Leiran, Rick Leiran, Vicki (Roger) Gamm, Jeff Leiran, Larre (Brenda) Leiran, Jon Leiran, and Mikki (Ed) Anton; six step-children: Donna, Debbie, Steve, & Tammy who are the children of Orville Hesse, and Larry and Linda who are the children of John Troendle; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son Jay; a brother Gary Leiran; and a sister-in-law Caryl Leiran.