Sandi Nicholsen

Sandra Lee (Barry) Nicholsen was born on May 21, 1942 to Matthew and Lois (Christopherson) Barry in Winona, Minnesota.  As an infant she moved with her family to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and then a few years later the family moved back to Winona where Sandi attended Kindergarten and 1st grade.  The next four years were spent in Rushford, Minnesota where the family ran the local theater.  The family then moved back to Winona where Sandi attended the rest of her Middle School years.  In 1957, the family moved to Pipestone, Minnesota where Sandi attended high school.  She was active in choir and band and also sang in the church choir.  After graduating, Sandi attended business school in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  

On March 18, 1961, Sandi was married to Don Backer and the marriage was blessed with two sons, Jeff and Gregg. The couple later separated.  On December 22, 1972, Sandi was married to Ralph “Nick” Nicholson and had a baby girl, Karine Elizabeth.  The family made their home in Pipestone for the next 19 years.  During that time, Sandi worked at the Pipestone County Hospital as a nurse’s aide.  The family moved to Shakopee, Minnesota where Nick managed the VFW.  Later, they moved back to Pipestone.  Nick preceded Sandi in death on October 3, 2014.  Sandi continued to live in her home until she moved to the Whispering Winds Townhomes in Pipestone.  She entered the care of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone and on Thursday, May 2, 2024, she passed away there at the age of 81.

Sandi is lovingly remembered by her son, Jeff Backer of Pipestone; daughter Kari (Nick Matson) of Jasper; grandson, Jesse Backer; granddaughters, Chantelle Backer, Kylee Nicholsen, Lexi Josten, and Rachelle Backer; great-grandchildren, Kyle Hoffman, Sophia Harrison-Backer, and Paislee Herring; and siblings, Kaye (Duane) DeCroock of Jasper, Minnesota and Jerry (Maurine) Barry of Rochester, Minnesota.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick; and son, Gregg.