A Celebration of Life for Sandy Madsen, age 80, of Ericson, Nebraska will be from 5-7 pm Friday, January 16, 2026 at St. Theresa's Catholic Church's Parish Center in Ericson, Nebraska.  Sandy passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Accura Healthcare in Neligh, Nebraska. Memorials may be directed to her family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Sandra Lee Madsen was born November 23, 1945 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Niels and Millie (Andrews) Madsen.  She attended school in Burwell, Nebraska.  Throughout high school Sandy enjoyed showing cattle.  She graduated with the class of 1963.

After high school, Sandy worked at various businesses in the Burwell area.  She was very well known for cooking great Mexican food.  In later years, she worked at the Spalding Nursing Home up until it closed, she then went to work at Riverside Lodge in Grand Island.  Sandy later moved to Albion until 2020 when she moved to Arbor Care in Neligh.

Sandy enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading a good book, and having a cocktail in the evening.  She will be remembered for her great cooking and sense of humor.  Sandy also loved her Dachshunds.

Sandy is survived by her three children, Kim Mahony of O'Neill, NE, Kendra (Lee) Croxen of Ericson, NE, Jodi Horwart of Lincoln, NE; her grandchildren, Travis Reiter, Heather Landauer, Tosha (Shawn) Murdock, Tyler (Makayla) Reiter, Connor (Caleigh) Croxen, Carter (Natalie) Croxen, Morgan Smedra; great grandchildren, Camri, Breklyn, Zyker, and Traezin Landauer, Haley, Ben and Treger Murdock, Aubrey, Tegan, and Kinsley Reiter, Cash Croxen; nieces and nephews, Billy Dimmitt, Ann Leach, Kellie (Gregg) Casteel, Tim (Amy) Dimmitt all of Burwell, NE.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Deborah Dimmitt; and her dachshunds, Buddy and Bubba.