Delva Lorraine (Tarrence) Sandhagen

Delva L. (Tarrence) Sandhagen, age 87, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, following a short illness at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Delva was born on November 26, 1931, at rural Greeley, the daughter of Doyle and Ellanora (Schlagel) Tarrence.  She was baptized at Strawberry Point on December 8, 1940, and became a member of the United Methodist Church on June 11, 1944, and certified as a member on March 28, 1948. Delva graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1950.

Delva was united in marriage to Merle “Peanuts” Sandhagen on December 23, 1950, and six children were born to this union: Terry (Danny) Schloss of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Bonnie (John) Staack of Strawberry Point, Brenda (Bob) Parker of Manchester, Randy (Nancy) Sandhagen of Fayette, Corey Jay (Karla) Sandhagen of Oelwein, and Jill (friend Bart DeLong) Baker of Strawberry Point.  Delva leaves behind her children and their spouses; several grandchildren; step grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and her half-sister, Dorothy (Wayne) Stephas of Chatfield, Minnesota.

In her early life, Delva worked in a local café and also worked at the Orpheum Movie Theater as an usher and cashier. She was a bookkeeper for Brad Hopper Implement. Delva enjoyed music taking guitar lessons at a young age and was a very talented country music singer. She shared the stage for 20 years with her husband Merle and other area musicians with their band, the Western Trio, playing for weddings, anniversaries, and social gatherings. Later in life, she worked at Jessen’s Super Value in the meat department for 14 years.

Delva enjoyed family, grandkids, and spending time with friends and relatives. She especially enjoyed raising and caring for her pets who were a huge part of her family. Several years after losing her husband Merle, she found a special friend, Bob Hansel (Edgewood), to be a person to share many days with before his passing a few years ago.

In death, Delva has rejoined her parents; her husband of 57 years, Merle, in 2008; her half-brother, Doyle; and crossing the rainbow bridge to reunite with her family of pets.

According to her wishes, please no memorials. Any remembrance gift, please give to your favorite animal shelter.

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