Sandra Lee “Sandi” Bierbrauer

HASTINGS–Sandra Lee “Sandi” Bierbrauer née Novak. Age 80, of Hastings, MN. Born December 7, 1944, in Marshall, MN. Passed away May 3, 2025 in St. Paul.

Sandi was the second of four children to John and May (Knutson) Novak. She grew up on the family farm and attended Milroy Public School before pursuing cosmetology. She first enrolled in a cosmetology school in Rapid City, SD, later transferring to one on Marie Avenue in South St. Paul, where she began building a new chapter of her life. While living there, Sandi went on a blind date and met Donnie, a handsome soldier on leave from the Army. He was the love of her life, and they married on November 14, 1964, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy, where she had received her sacraments as a child.

Together, they built a life in South St. Paul before settling into the home they built in rural Hastings, MN, where they raised their two sons, Jeff and Jason. Sandi was an extraordinary stay-at-home mom who, like her own mother, nurtured creativity and adventure. She encouraged every activity, dream, idea, and “project” that Jeff and Jason, their cousins, and friends could imagine, always providing unwavering support. She became a Cub Scout Den Mother and a loving second mother to neighborhood children, nieces, nephews, and even the occasional stray rescue the boys brought home.

When her grandchildren Matthew and Maygen arrived, a new generation of love blossomed, and Sandi eagerly embraced football games, band concerts, and holiday visits and gatherings. Her daughters-in-law, Terina and Heather, held a special place in her heart as well. Sandi deeply appreciated “her girls” and all they did and the love and care they showed her and her family. Terina and Heather could always be found looking to Sandi’s comfort.

Though rheumatoid arthritis presented challenges, Sandi’s spirit was never confined – especially when it came to precious family time. She embraced life with laughter, love, and adventure – always ready to play games, shop, camp, have lunch, or cherish time at the cabin with family. Precious moments were never hindered by physical limitations, and love was always at the center of everything she did. Laughs and love were guaranteed memories! A true treasure in Sandi’s life was her husband, Donnie. He was her rock and she was his, providing constant loving care, ensuring her needs were met with tenderness and devotion. Their love remained unwavering for 61 years, never far apart, until she passed away on May 3, 2025, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN, surrounded by the legacy of her beautiful family. Throughout her lifetime, Sandi’s warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. Blessed be her memory.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brother Dennis Novak of Hastings, MN; in-laws Roy and Gladys Bierbrauer; siblings-in-law LeRoy, James, Donna Mae Bierbrauer, RoseMarie Saver, and Betty Nyburg. Sandi is survived by her loving husband, Donnie; sons Jeff (Terina) Bierbrauer of Hudson, WI, and Jason (Heather) Bierbrauer of Cannon Falls, MN; grandchildren Matthew (Gracie) Bierbrauer of Lakeland, MN, and Maygen Bierbrauer (Cole Sopkowiak) of River Falls, WI. She is also survived by her siblings Cheri Novak of Milroy, MN, and Jodi (Tom) Kesteloot of Marshall, MN; sister-in-law Vickie Novak of Hastings, MN; brother-in-law David Bierbrauer of Elmwood, WI; sister-in-law Norma Bierbrauer of Inver Grove Heights, MN; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Memorial Service 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14th at Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel, 414 Marie Ave., South St. Paul. Gathering of Family & Friends 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Klecatsky & Sons

651-451-1551