Sandra Lee Parkila

She was born on June 21, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the daughter of Rueben and Hilda (Hansen) Mueller. Sandra graduated from Ortonville High School in 1961 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Minnesota-Morris. She began her teaching career in Physical Education and Art, working in both Sahuarita, Arizona and Menominee, Michigan. While in Menominee, she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Parkila. They were married on June 14, 1973, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and later made their home in L’Anse, where they spent most of their lives together.

Sandra was a talented and creative woman with many passions. She managed the kitchen at the L’Anse Golf Club for several years, worked as a real estate agent in both Michigan and Arizona, and enjoyed countless creative pursuits. She had a special gift for crafting, painting, candle making, designing costumes, and even teaching art classes. She and Bill also shared a love for restoring and renovating houses.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Parkila of L’Anse; son, Kevin (Magdalena) Parkila of Royal Oak, MI; daughter, Mara (David) Olden of Coon Rapids, MN; brother, Rick (Debbie) Mueller of Apple Valley, MN; sister, Kathy (Roger) Holman of Chisholm, MN; sister-in-law, Cheri Mueller of Willmar, MN; and her cherished grandchildren, Nathan Olden, Ethan Olden, Lukas Parkila, and Monika Parkila.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Rueben and Hilda Mueller, and her brother, James “Jim” Mueller.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Bayside Village, 832 Sicotte St, L’Anse, MI 49946. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Sandra’s guest book and share condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.