Funeral services for H. Verdell Sandsmark will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. The Rev. Loren Molskness will officiate. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and continue until the time of the service. Burial will be at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery in New Richland.

Hazel Verdell Sandsmark was born Feb. 21, 1935, in Waseca County. Verdell went to be with the Lord Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, at New Richland Care Center. She was 84.

Verdell was the daughter of Oscar and Mable (Neumann) Sandsmark. She grew up in rural New Richland. She was not only a sister, but an aunt, great-aunt, great-great-aunt and a mentor to many.

Verdell was baptized and confirmed at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. She was a member at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea for many years. Verdell loved studying and teaching the Bible. She loved to lead a Bible study and sing praises at St. John’s Lutheran Community as well as several other adult care facilities. She volunteered at Holden Village, traveled to Jerusalem, Israel and Mexico and spent time as an aid worker in the Philippines.

Verdell graduated from Mankato State University and later obtained a master’s degree plus 30 credits in elementary education. Starting her teaching career in one-room school houses; her intention was to teach a year in every state. One year teaching in Florida cured her of that. She returned to Minnesota and continued to teach in Hollandale, Hayward and Albert Lea school districts. Verdell did not have a favorite grade; she loved to teach them all!

Verdell enjoyed spending her school breaks in Michigan, family get-togethers, being outdoors camping and fishing, waitressing, traveling, shopping, sewing, playing cards, creating art projects, listening to music and cooking. But most of all, Verdell enjoyed sharing about the Lord. Verdell was an avid Minnesota Twins fan, always listening to them on the radio or going to the games. She also enjoyed watching the Harlem Globetrotters.

Verdell is survived by her sister, Darlene Fraley; sister-in-law, Kitty Sandsmark; numerous nieces and nephews; numerous godchildren; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and numerous great-great-nieces and nephews.

Verdell was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Doris Waltz; brother, Marlin Sandsmark; and brothers-in-law Dean Waltz, Arza Palmer and Jack Fraley.