Loretta DeSandro
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Loretta Lillian DeSandro was born July 29, 1928, at Herington, Kansas, to the Reverend Walter Gustav and Hilda Biel. She attended Lutheran grade schools in Shady Brook and Linn, KS, and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, where her father was pastor. After graduation from Linn High School, she attended St. John’s College, Winfield, KS. For many years she was an administrative assistant at various companies, retiring from Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1986.
She married Robert Ivan Bauer in Clay Center, KS in 1949 and was blessed with three daughters: Karen Fabean, Ft. Mill, SC; Janet Reznicek, Lawrence, KS; and Judith Bauer, Kansas City, MO. In 1978, she married Louis John DeSandro. In 1984, she and Louis moved to Sun City West, AZ. They traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and many countries in Europe, Central America and the Pacific Rim.
Throughout her life, Loretta was actively involved in the Lutheran church, carrying out many volunteer roles. She also was instrumental in creating a vibrant support group for the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation in Phoenix, Arizona.
In 2008, Loretta returned to Kansas to be closer to her family. She lived at Brandon Woods in Lawrence and treasured her many new friends. She is survived by three daughters, four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and one brother, Warren Biel. She also is survived by three stepsons: Louis DeSandro Jr., Vincent DeSandro, and Dominic DeSandro; three stepdaughters: Frances Ann Eaton, Therese Roach, and Nina C. Cash; and thirteen grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2700 Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence, KS.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in her name to the Lutheran Hour Ministries (www.lhm.org); Mission India (www.missionindia.org); or to a charity of donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren McElwain, 120 W. 13th , Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
I feel so blessed to have known your Mother. She was such a sweet person. I’ve known Loretta from Redeemer and enjoyed sitting with her for many services. I pray for all of you for strength & comfort to get through the days ahead. God’s blessings to all of you. I’m sorry that I can’t attend the service as I will be working. I made a memorial donation to Redeemer’s Endowment Fund in your Mother’s name.
Dear Janet and family, your mother sounds like a wonderful woman who will be missed. May God sustain you with His comfort and love through the people who knew and loved your mother. Lori and Steve Myrick
Karen, Janet and Judy,
Your mother was a jewel of uncommon value, and her life brightened that of all who knew her. I am proud to have known her, and you all are in my thoughts and my prayers.