Eva Christina Sande was born to Roy and Hulda Jensen of Menno, South Dakota. Eva spent the early years of her childhood in Menno, moving to Huron at the age of five with her parents and three older sisters. Family was the focus of Eva’s childhood. Visits to her grandparents’ farms and trips to Menno and Viborg for reunions and family events created happy memories. Eva attended Huron High School, singing in the choir, enjoying school activities, and making friends she cherished throughout her life. After graduation Eva began a career in banking, initially working as a bank teller in Huron. A few years later Eva married Ronald Sande, beginning her married life in Norfolk, Nebraska where Ron had been transferred. Another transfer returned Eva, Ron and their son David to Huron. Family, friends and community were now Eva’s focus. Eva resumed her work at the bank and was dedicated volunteer at David’s school, the American Lutheran Church and community events, bringing her sense of fun and her creativity to everything she did.

In 1972, Eva, Ron and David were transferred to Chadron Nebraska. Eva took on the challenges of settling in a new city with her characteristic energy and enthusiasm and she bloomed where she was planted. Eva became a member of PEO, volunteered thousands of hours in support of PEO, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and the youth activities (CHS Band, Basketball, Football, DeMolay and more) in which David participated. Eva also regularly entertained friends, traveled throughout the US and to visit family in Norway and Germany, attended productions the Post Playhouse and other theaters, exercised her artistic talent through needlework, especially embroidery and quilting, and worked at the Bank of Chadron, eventually as head teller.

Eva retired from banking when Ron was transferred to Chicago. Eva made the most of her time in the Windy City, enjoying the museums and theaters there, while making regular trips to visit family in South Dakota and Virginia. Eventually Eva and Ron returned to Huron full time to help care for their aging parents.

For Eva retirement did not mean slowing down. She kept busy doing the things she loved, having fun with friends, being an active member of PEO and the ALC in Huron, and a busy volunteer. Eva served as a church lector, made Lefse and her Scandinavian Almond Bars, and helped with countless luncheons and events as part of the ALCW. She served as a Pink Lady at HRMC every week, was active in the Democratic Party, was an avid domino player, and regularly visited her son and his family, and her friends, until just before her death.

Eva truly was a “people person”, a good-hearted and steadfast friend, neighbor and community member, and a devoted mother, grandma, sister and aunt. She is survived by her son David, daughter-in-law Julie and granddaughter Mia of Reston, Virginia, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends and neighbors. 

Services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at the American Lutheran Church in Huron, SD.

Memorials may be directed to PEO Chapter F in Huron or the American Lutheran Church in Huron, both were very dear to Eva’s heart.