Sandra “Sandy” Jean Whannel, 90, of Traer, peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 2-4 PM at the United Presbyterian Church in Traer. Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 22, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the United Presbyterian Church in Traer with Pastor Bryce Hoyt officiating. Interment will follow at Buckingham Cemetery in Traer.

Sandra was born on September 22, 1935, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of William “Wally” Wallace and Edith (Stella) Young.

In 1953, she graduated from North Tama High School. She attended Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Waterloo, graduating in 1956. Following graduation, she worked at Allen Memorial Hospital.

On October 12, 1956, she was united in marriage to Murray Whannel at the United Presbyterian Church in Traer. After their marriage, she and Murray ran Whannel Trucking in Traer.

Sandy was a lifetime member of United Presbyterian Church in Traer, where she was Clerk of Session for thirty years. She was very active in the Traer community including Charter member of Traer Ambulance, Traer Museum, and Salt and Pepper Museum. Sandy was on the Traer Utility Board, building committee for Sunrise Hill Care Center, and a longtime member of P.E.O. Chapter EC. Sandy loved to travel, including twenty medical missions with MMI. She was a humble servant of God throughout her life.

Survivors include her children, Brian Whannel of Traer, Diane (Ken) Cogan of Cedar Rapids, and Neil (Jenny) Whannel of Faribault, MN; eight grandchildren, Paul (Brian) Whannel, Nick (Alaina) Whannel, Matt Whannel, Amy (Tony) Thanongrit, Holly Whannel (Jack), Alyssa, Madeline and Sophie Sanders; four great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Bob) Thierer of Barrington, IL; nephew, Mark (Nasrin) Thierer; niece, Lisa (Jeff) Church; and several great nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents; and her husband, Murray in 1996.

Memorials may be directed to the Traer United Presbyterian Church.