Sandy Jelinek

SANDRA “SANDY” JELINEK, age 78, of Montgomery, died on Thursday, May 14, 2025, at Oak Terrace Senior Housing in Le Sueur.

Born on September 13, 1946, in St. Peter, MN she was the daughter of John and Norma (Deutsch) May. She grew up in Le Sueur and began her education at St. Anne Catholic School in Le Sueur and graduated from Le Sueur High School with the class of 1964. Following her education, she began working at Brinktuns in Le Center where she met her future husband, Thomas Jelinek. Sandy and Tom were united in marriage on May 31, 1969, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Le Sueur. Shortly after their marriage, Tom was deployed to Vietnam where he served for one year. The following year was spent together at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland where they welcomed their first son. Following Tom’s honorable discharge, they made their home in Montgomery while raising their three boys.

Sandy worked for various companies throughout her career, whether it was waitressing at the Dinner Bell and Darlene’s or cleaning for businesses in the community, most notably at Citizens State Bank in Montgomery. In 2006, due the health concerns, Sandy chose to retire. She was a devoted member of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Montgomery where she volunteered for several church functions. Sandy loved to visit, and she selflessly put others first. She was friends to many and loved her family. Blessed be her memory.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Tom; sons: Chris (Sopheak) of Savage, Tony and Matthew, both of Montgomery; four grandsons: Owen, Dimitry, Allen, and Zander; siblings: Juanita (Richard) Dohmeier, John May, Pam (Curt) Schwartz, all of Le Sueur, and Rita (Steve) Picha of Montgomery; aunt, Sr. Shirley Deutsch of Stillwater; brother-in-law, Jerry (Loretta) Jelinek of Arkansas; special family friend, Jolene Schultz; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Linda May; sister-in-law, Martha May.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:30 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery with Fr. Timothy Sandquist – Celebrant. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Le Sueur. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM on Friday and continue until the time of the service at the church.