April 2023

On Monday, April 10, 2023, Sandra Deon Bertelsen, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother left us in a cloud of love at the age of 85 surrounded by her family. Sandra was born June 19, 1937, in Tabor, IA to Naomi Belle (Ferrel) Queen and Ralph A Queen. She attended school in Tabor, IA, was the homecoming queen, and graduated from Tabor High School. She then attended Drake University and received her teaching certificate. On June 16, 1957, she married Freeman James Bertelsen, her high school sweetheart. Together they raised three children: Kimberlee Deon, Mark Edwin, and James Kirk (Jamie). She and Freeman lived in Tabor, IA for 32 years. Sandra spent over 25 years at the U.S. Post Office in many roles including Postmaster at Tabor and Sidney, IA. She was also an active member of PEO for over 67 years. In 1989, she and Freeman moved to Thurman, IA where they purchased and operated ‘The Plum Creek Inn and Cottage Bed and Breakfast’. In 2002 they moved to Brownville, NE where they purchased and operated the ‘Pierce Cottage’ and ‘Deer Run Suites Bed & Breakfast’. They both loved hosting B&B guests and were well-known for their wonderful breakfasts and dinners. In 2017, Freeman and Sandra moved to Papillion, NE to be closer to family. Sandra was a kind soul who radiated down-to-earth goodness to all she met. When she was humming, all was right with the world, and neighborhood children were fascinated by the soothing sound. She was known for being able to bake anything, was a talented seamstress, and was a virtual mother to all the neighborhood children. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Freeman, her father Ralph, her mother Naomi, her brother Donald, and her infant son Scott Edwin. She is survived by her children Kimberlee (Bertelsen) Johnson and husband Greg Pella of Brownville, NE; Mark Bertelsen and wife Melissa of Papillion, NE; and son Jamie and wife Connie of Springfield, NE. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren Dane Johnson

Nancy Black, Tribune Content Agency TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (04/21/23). Discover fresh inspiration this year.

Drains and other high-suction components in pools and spas can be dangerous. That is why the United States Congress passed the Title XIV Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which was named after the granddaughter of Secretary of State James A. Baker, III. Virginia lost her life in a family spa suction entrapment during a birthday party. Federal law now requires that all pools and spa drains that were manufactured, distributed or sold on or after December 19, 2008 must meet ASME/ANSI A112.19.82007 requirements. In addition, public pools and spas must be retrofitted with covers that meet safety standards. The purpose of drain covers is to prevent the powerful suction of the spa or pool drain from forming a complete seal that can cause a person's hair or body to be trapped against the drain. Such a situation may result in drowning or even disembowelment, in the event of buttock entrapment. In 1993, a five-year-oldgirl named Valerie Lakey experienced evisceration of her small and large intestines when her bottom became pinned to the drain of a kiddie pool. Swimmers should exercise caution to steer clear of any drains, and covers should be checked for safety periodically.