Sandy Kistler died this week after a sudden illness. Her daughters and the friends who were family were by her side.

Sandra Kay Branting was born November 8, 1946 to Frances and Hollis Branting, in North Platte, Nebraska. She was the oldest of 4 children and part of a large herd of close cousins. Sandy went to Midland Lutheran College in Fremont Nebraska, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, emphasis on English. She later earned her Masters in English at CU. While at Midland, Sandy made a beautiful group of friends with whom she recently celebrated their 50th reunion. One of these friends was Ellie, and the two best friends were together for every big event for the next 50 years, traveling the world, getting married, and adopting kids. After graduating Sandy began her lifetime of teaching. She was in Columbus Nebraska for a few years, and then moved to Colorado. She taught at Huron Junior High and then began at Northglenn High School, where she would teach English Language and Literature for close to 40 years as a teacher and then retired substitute. She deeply loved teaching, and loved her students.

A few years after moving to Colorado, through a singles club, Sandy met Van, and he proposed on their first date. She said no. He proposed on the second date. She said no. 6 months later, they were engaged, and were married December 27, 1975. Over 40 years they traveled all over, went to the symphony and Broadway shows, began attending Augustana Lutheran Church, went camping, hiking, and raised two daughters. This Nebraska lady sat next to her husband and cheered for the Colorado Buffaloes in almost every game, even when she wore her red earrings.

In 1985 they adopted Heather, and 4 years later Lynette. They taught the girls to love the mountains and the earth, to help and give to others, to love books and the arts. Sandy was the leader of both Girl Scout troops, taught Sunday School, drove kids everywhere. She tried to do everything. She was in book club, Rachel Circle at church, was an active member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), sold Discovery Toys, and got the family back to North Platte as often as possible for NebraskaLand Days and holidays.

Van died in January 2016, and left a large hole in our lives, especially hers. Sandy kept going to church events, shows and lunches. She loved volunteering at the Jeffco Action Center, and passed out election information booklets by the League of Women Voters every year. She became the overjoyed Grandma of 3 beautiful kids, Marshall (3), Brant (2), and Charlotte (2 months). Her phone is full of pictures. She was so proud of Heather (Kinz) and Lynette (Lueders), and knew she hit the jackpot for sons-in-law David and Adam. She also leaves behind a brother Jim (Bozeman, MT), sister-in-law Bonny Branting (North Platte, NE), nieces and nephews & cousins across Nebraska, and Ellie & Larry Bonicelli (Thornton, CO), as well as 5 godchildren. Services will be at 2pm Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver, CO. Sandy will be interred with Van at Augustana’s Memorial Garden at a later time. If desired, please make a contribution to AAUW, the Jeffco Action Center, or Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp in lieu of flowers.

Source: https://everloved.com/life-of/sandra-kistler/obituary/