Sandy McKernan

Sandra “Sandy” McKernan, 88, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Chapel and a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the Mass. Father Tom Hartman will celebrate the Mass, and interment will be at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Milbank.

Sandra “Sandy” Ann McKernan was born May 2, 1938, in Owatonna, MN. As a young child, she and her parents, Walter and Ida (Paulson) Strobl relocated to South Dakota, where she grew up on the family farm surrounded by animals. Horses, pigs, cattle, and geese were part of everyday life, and her love of animals continued throughout her entire life. She attended Kilborn No. 6 Country School and graduated from Milbank High School in 1956.

Sandra married Francis Gene “Mac” McKernan on June 29, 1957, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, SD. Together they raised six children: Mike, Diane, Dennis, Nadine, Cheryl, and Lyle.

Throughout her life, Sandra held many different positions and served her community in numerous ways. She worked for AO Schmidt, a local attorney who also prepared taxes, and later worked at Milbank Mutual. She served as secretary for the Milbank Police Department and as the Civil Defense Director. She later went on to work as a police officer, and was the first female police officer in Grant County.

Sandy’s involvement with 4-H was a particularly important part of her life. As an active 4-H member in her youth, she continued her involvement as an adult 4-H leader for 28 years. She also served as a 4-H archery instructor, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with generations of young people.

Her interests and service extended well beyond 4-H. Sandra was an Oblate of Blue Cloud Abbey and served as an organist there. She was also a camp counselor at SDWF in Custer, SD, and was a member of the Red Hatters. She found joy in staying active, learning, teaching, and being involved with the people and organizations around her.

She was a talented homemaker and baker, and her family will fondly remember the many treats she made. She was especially well known for her German chocolate cake, homemade donuts, and her Scotcharoo bars, which were favorites of the local wrestling clubs. She enjoyed sewing and baking, but one of her greatest loves was riding horses. She also organized and ran Camp Mahpiyato at Blue Cloud Abbey for numerous years. Her lifelong connection with animals brought her tremendous happiness. Above all, Sandra treasured her family. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as “Grandma Mac”. Her children’s friends also affectionately called her “mom”.

Sandy is survived by her beloved children: Mike (Holly) McKernan of Twin Brooks, SD; Diane (Bruce) Kneeland of Summit, SD; Dennis (Cathy) McKernan of Mesa, AZ; Nadine Grathwol of Sioux Falls, SD; Cheryl (Scott) Meyer of Milbank, SD; and Lyle (Darla) McKernan of Rapid City, SD; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and one great-great grandchild; six siblings: Ron (Sue) Strobl of Hudson, OH; Rose Kirby of Watauga, TX; Mike Strobl of Twin Brooks, SD; Mary (Tom) Kasuske of Milbank, SD; Greg (Roberta) Strobl of Big Stone City, SD; and Susan (Wayne) Nowick of Twin Brooks, SD; sisters-in-law: Sharon McKernan of Bloomington, MN and Betty (Lloyd) Fenhaus of Watertown, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents: Walter and Ida Strobl; beloved husband, Francis Gene “Mac” McKernan, son-in-law, Paul Grathwol; sisters-in-law: Gail Strobl and Mary Lou Jarman; and brothers-in-law: Joe McKernan, Billy McKernan, and Gordon Jarman.