Poferl, Sandra Jean

September 28, 1944 – December 11, 2014
Age 70 of Backus, MN passed away peacefully on December 11, 2014 after a short, but hard fought battle with lung & brain cancer. Sandy was born on September 28, 1944 in Norman, OK. Graduated from Oakland High School (CA) in 1962, and married Theodore Owens that same year. She would then marry Martin Poferl in 1977. Community action was a passion of Sandy’s: she was a long-time member of the Lions Club, served on the Pine River-Backus School Board for 12 years, and participated in many other community organizations. In her youth she loved theater and musical performance, having roles in a number of Sons of Norway productions. Mom will forever be remembered for her fervor and iron-will, her compassion for others, and her teenage girl-like love of popular culture, especially Twilight and Harry Potter. She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Eugene and Iowa (Halterman) Poferl; beloved step-mother, Betty Ruth; and cherished uncle and aunts, Howard & Dolores Jarrett, and Gaynelle Ellinson. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband of 37 years, Martin; daughter, Dena Owens-Bowmer; son, Joseph (Jennith); grandchildren, Ashley, Amanda, Jasper, and Zeke; sisters, Sonia Hardgrave & Susie Poferl; nephew, Christopher Hardgrave and niece, Morgan Poferl; special friend (who was more like a sister), Connie (Ed) Duran; many other loving family and friends, and a number of quasi-kids who she loved and they know who they are! Her family was truly blessed by the number of friends and healthcare workers who helped care for Sandy in her final weeks. We are incredibly grateful for your time and compassion. A memorial to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.