Sandy Lemmer

Sandy Clare (Schwanbeck) Lemmer

Sandy Lemmer of Alberton, MT claimed the victory in Christ on Thursday, May 30^th, 2024, of natural causes.

Sandy was born to Edwin and Gertie Schwanbeck on April 10^th, 1940, in Rugby, ND, accompanied by her twin sister, Sonya.

Growing up in North Dakota she enjoyed school, helping in her daddy’s bakery and spending summers at her grandparents’ farm.  In 1958, her family moved to Missoula for her to attend the University of Montana.  She graduated a proud Grizzly in 1962 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a Teaching certificate and a minor in Econ-Soc and Journalism.

In 1961, she met Merlin Lemmer (whom she said she liked because he was funny and good looking!!) and they eloped on August 30^th of 1963, in Coeur d‘Alene, ID and they moved to Spokane, WA where they worked various jobs.  In August of ’65, she accepted a job at Alberton High School in Alberton, MT. teaching bookkeeping, shorthand, office machines and typing.   She also taught a journalism class where the students put out a weekly paper and produced the yearbook.

In 1969, they welcomed their only child, Sari Jo Elizabeth.  Sandy chose to be a stay-at-home mom after that, but once Sari started grade school, she worked for 27 years for a couple in Nine Mile that had a bed and breakfast and made wooden gifts and toys.

She was a proud long-time member of First Lutheran Church in Missoula.  She enjoyed quilting, sewing, reading, and adopting many cats over the years.   Sandy cherished being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother most of all.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Merlin of Alberton, her daughter and son-in-law, Sari and Herman Lehl (Alberton), her three grandchildren, Chloe (Jerome) Brovold of Arlee, Brandon (Jessica) Lehl of Seeley Lake and Jack Lehl (Alyssa Greenhaw) of Alberton.  Also, six great grandchildren: Noah & Lily Brovold, August & Rhen Lehl and Luke & Adelynn Lehl.  Her twin sister, Sonya Charlebois (Belcourt, ND) and one nephew, Mark and two nieces, Marcella and Michelle and their families.

Service to celebrate Sandy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 22^nd at 1:00 pm at First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Ave. W.  Missoula, MT, with a reception to follow.