Sandra L. Stangland

Sandra L. Stangland (Ellingson) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, September 9, 2022, at the age of 82. Sandra was born September 26, 1939, in Beloit, WI, daughter of the late Harley and Evelyn Ellingson. After she graduated Beloit Memorial High School in 1957, Sandra moved to Rockford, IL, and married Duane Fridly in July 1958. Together they had two sons, Michael and Christopher. She later married Reverend Irving Stangland in October 1981. Sandra’s care and compassion for others were as prominent in her work as in her personal life. She worked for over 20 years as a receptionist at Peterson Meadows. As a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park, IL, Sandra attended bible study and was a greeter for services. Sandra had an infectious smile and bright spirit. She gave the best hugs and made you feel like you were part of the family. Birthdays were always a big deal to Sandra. She would call and sing “Happy Birthday” when you picked up the phone. Even Jesus would get a cake and birthday song on Christmas in honor of his birth. Sandra will be remembered for her delicious apple pies and her thoughtful gifts from the heart. She also loved fishing, bus trips with friends, and enjoyed sending Peanuts and Family Circle comics and sports articles to everyone. Sandra was an avid sports fan who cheered on the Chicago Bears and Cubs, and even supported Rockford’s local talent Fred Van-Fleet when he played basketball for Wichita State. Though her favorite teams were those her grandchildren were on, and she made sure to support them in all their sport activities. Sandra loved her family more than anything, and she spent as much time as she could with her beloved grandchildren, who all called her framma. She made sure each was given special time with her, and each hold their framma in a special place in their hearts because of that. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, framma, sister and friend.

Sandra will be greatly missed by her surviving family, her children, Michael (Debbie) Fridly and Christopher (Becky) Fridly; grandchildren, Carter Fridly, Carlee Fridly, Katy Fridly, Lily Hamilton, Oliver Hamilton, Connor Gravitt and Jyllian Gravitt; nephews, Brian (Kristen) Ellingson and Jeff Ellingson. Predeceased by her husband; parents; brother, John Ellingson, and sister, Christine (Crick) Ellingson-Mollen. The family would like to thank Mercy Health Hospice for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial at Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111.