Sandra Marie Gerdin

Sandra Marie (Clayson) Gerdin, 76, of Columbia Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 3, 2026, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sandra was born on June 27, 1950, in Anoka, Minnesota, to Marjorie (Johnson) and Wendell Clayson. She was the oldest of five children. She graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1968 and completed some college coursework studying journalism at Augsburg College, Minneapolis Technical College and Anoka Ramsey Community College. She married Bryan Gerdin at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights in 1973, and they were married for 28 years. For most of their marriage they resided in Fridley, Minnesota where they raised their two daughters together. Sandra worked for US West Dex (Qwest) from 1969 - 1992 and was a former member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota.

We want our mom to be remembered not for the illness that stole so much from her, but for the love she had for her family and friends, especially her children and grandchildren, and for her incredible generosity toward those less fortunate. She gave what she could to many different organizations and encouraged others to do the same. She was an avid reader who enjoyed music and playing her extensive record collection on her record player. She had a knack for decorating and especially loved decorating for the holidays. She had an impressive memory for all things history and was passionate about progressive politics and human rights.

Sandra is survived by her children, Amy (Jamey) Welle of Rogers, Minnesota, and Heather (Justin) Kahmann of Blaine, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Abigail, Matthew, and Ella; her mother, Marjorie Schwalbach; her sisters, Gail Ostrowski and Kim (Rich) Doll; her sister-in-law, Banita Clayson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wendell Clayson; her stepfather, Richard Schwalbach; her brother, Randy Clayson; her sister, Julie Clayson; and her brother-in-law, Wayne Ostrowski.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 1–4 p.m. in the Cosmopolitan Room at Jax Café, 1928 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. This will be an open-house style gathering, and family and friends are welcome to stop by at any time between 1-4 p.m. to remember and celebrate our mom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to NAMI Minnesota donate here or the American Lung Association donate here.

The family would like to thank the incredible ICU care team at Regions Hospital in St. Paul for the truly compassionate and loving care they provided for our mom.