Sandra Mae Gilderhus, 78, of Owatonna, died Sunday, September 1, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 2, 1941 in Mankato, Minnesota the daughter of Hugh and Mae (Westmark) Russell. She grew up in St. Clair where she graduated from high school in 1959. She worked for a while at the Mankato Clinic and Pfeister Seed Corn as a secretary. She was married in 1960 and moved to Reinbeck, Iowa where her son, Todd was born. In 1962, the family moved to Farmington where they lived until 1970. Two daughters were added to the family in 1966; Leah was adopted and Jennifer was born. In 1970, she adopted her son, Herbert. The family moved to the Dundas area in 1970. Sandra was divorced in 1981 and moved to Northfield. She married Gary Gilderhus on July 14, 1985 in Owatonna at their home. Sandra's work career included work at the Northfield School District, Rice County Courthouse and St. Olaf College where she spent the majority of her career. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Owatonna where she actively and faithfully served and an officer in WELCA, Social Ministry Committee and Altar Guild. She also volunteered in many areas including, Project Friendship Mother, Sunday and Bible School Teacher, the Local Advisory Council for Dodge, Steele and Waseca Counties, was appointed to the Task Force for Steele County Jail, National Association of Mental Illness, Lifestyle as a board member for six years and the Red Hats. Sandra loved reading, gardening, quilting, baking, walks in the neighborhood, providing childcare for her great-grandchildren and especially spending time with friends and family. She is survived by her husband, Gary Gilderhus of Owatonna; children, Todd Kamis of Dundas, Leah Sirek (and John Townley) of Owatonna and Jennifer Maxa (and Chuck Worsfold) of Northfield; brother, Steve (and Carolyn) Russell of Lakeville; grandchildren, Daniel (and Roxanne) Rezac, Melanie Rezac, Nicole Sirek, Brandon Maxa, Tiffany Maxa and Lindsay Maxa; great-grandchildren, Blake, Grant, Sophia, Gabriella, Rylan and Lenna; mother-in-law, LaVonne Gilderhus of Adams; sister-in-law, Cindy (and Larry) Bellrichard of Decorah, IA and brother in law, Bernie Laven of Nicollet. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Mae; son, Herbert Marco Kamis and a sister, Darla Laven. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM and at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10:00-11:00 AM. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church with Pastors John Weisenburger and Lisa Carlson officiating. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior's Pastor's Emergency Fund or donor's choice.