Ilah Sandgren

Ilah M. Sandgren, 92, of Fort Dodge, passed away Thursday June 20, 2024 at Friendship Haven.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Friday, June 28, 2024 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Pastor Emily Sauer-Alvarez officiating.

Ilah is survived by her daughter, Amy (Michael) Downs of Junction City, KS; grandchildren Bryan Downs and Brittany (Darren) Williams; great-grandchildren, Madison, Avah, and Falynn; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Florence Sandgren and Carol Heatherington; and godchildren, Vicki Vinchattle, Alisson Schramm Carter, Alyssa Schramm Lindstrom, Bradley Davis, and Jason Trost.

Ilah is preceded in death by her husband, Elwyn, parents Cecil and Ruth (Lane) Houdeshell, her sister, Lucille Cooper and brother, Arlyas Houdeshell.

Ilah Marie Houdeshell was born on September 1, 1931, in Lake City. She attended school in Rockwell City until 1939 when her family moved to Callender. She graduated from Callender High School in 1950 and then pursued her teaching career at the Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. She taught two years in Dana and 38 wonderful years teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grade in Rockwell City before retiring in 1994. On July 24, 1955, Ilah was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, a former barber in Fort Dodge, Sandy Sandgren. The couple made their home in Fort Dodge. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #130 serving as Chaplain until 2008. She also belonged to the Webster County Retired Teacher’s Association. Ilah enjoyed bowling at Ridgewood Lanes and was an active golfer at Willow Ridge Golf Course well into her 90s. She had belonged to the Red Hat Society and was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church. She helped clean the church as well as collect items for the Beacon of Hope and the Food Pantry. Ilah was the most happy when she was around people and sharing laughter.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.