Sandra K. Peterson

Sandra Kay Peterson, 80, passed away peacefully, at home on March 18, 2026. A family memorial service for Sandra will be held at Amity Church; a celebration of Sandra’s life is being planned. Memorials are being directed to the Elmwood Park/Reinbeck Park Board in Reinbeck.

Born on January 18, 1946, Sandra was the daughter of Gilbert and Marie Martens. She grew up on the family farm outside of Dinsdale, and graduated from Dinsdale High School in 1963. In her early adult life, she was married to Don Dinsdale, with whom she shared two children, Shellie and Chris. They later divorced.

On September 28, 1992, Sandra married the love of her life, Cordell Peterson. Together, they enjoyed many years of travel and adventure. Boating down the Mississippi River and seeing the Canadian Rockies by train were a couple of their most memorable highlights. For several years, they escaped the Iowa winters to Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed the company of new friends, MLB spring training baseball games and endless Florida boating. In 2005, they moved back to Reinbeck, into a home that was designed by Sandra.

Sandra was a member of Amity Church, an avid fan of the G-R Schools, and a supporter of many community projects in Reinbeck. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, trips to the casino and countless fishing excursions to Canada. One of her favorite things was bringing people together, whether it was for a girls outing or hosting a celebration at their home, she loved having everyone together! She and Cordell also enjoyed the many times spent with their family and friends at Oakleaf Country Club.

To friends and family, especially to her grandchildren, Sandra was a constant source of strength and inspiration. She taught them to live life with a generous spirit, a touch of mischief and an attitude to never give up. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines or simply spending time together, she showed them how to live with kindness, strength, and to always throw in some fun.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Marie Martens, and her sister, Deb Martens-Neal.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband,Cordell Peterson; her children, Shellie (Shawn) Murphy and Chris (Kelly) Dinsdale; and her five grandchildren: Jon (Victoria) Dinsdale, Ben (Kinsey) Dinsdale, Damon (Rachel) Bolt, Parker (Annie) Bolt, and Emily (Carter) Burmester; along with 11 great-grandchildren who brought her endless smiles.

Her love also extended to their blended family, including Mark (Theresa) Peterson, Cheryl (Gary) VandeVoorde, and Mike (Julie) Peterson. Additional grandchildren include: Tiffany (Kyle) Rasmussen, Nick (Nikki) Peterson, Elise (Colton) Dinsdale, Jed (Emily Streb) Peterson, Josh (Kailie) Peterson, Erin (Chase) Davis, and Grant VandeVoorde; Carter (Mallory Jones) Murphy, Cameron (Bridget DeWitt) Murphy and Ella (Jay Hall) Murphy; as well as many additional great-grandchildren.

The next generation will carry with them Sandra’s legacy of generosity and kindness.