Carole C. Sandene passed away peacefully Thursday, September 17th, 2026, at the age of 91. She was surrounded by her family at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.

Carole Catherine Sandene was born October 9th, 1934, in St. Cloud, MN. She attended Aberdeen School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in 1956. Carole worked for Brookings Municipal Hospital as a surgical nurse for 34 years before her retirement in 1990.

On October 18, 1958, Carole was united in marriage to Don Sandene at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings, South Dakota. From this union, the couple were blessed with their 4 children. Don and Carole resided in Brookings for 42 years until they moved to Sioux Falls in 2000. In 2023, Carole moved to Charleston, WV to live closer to her son and his family.

Carole was an avid reader who cherished time at the lake and was known for her dry sense of humor, steadfast faith, and deep devotion to her family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Don, her son, Jerry, her parents Ed and Frances Laubach, and her sisters, Jean, Pat, and Bonnie.

She is survived by her children Janet (Denny) Phelan, Joan (Natalie) Sandene, and Jeff (Dana) Sandene; her grandchildren Melanie (Jon) Clark, Rachel (Matt) Baker-Martinez, Torie Sandene, and Ty (Melissa) Sandene; and her great-grandchild Zane Clark.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her.

A prayer service and visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026, at Edgewood Summit – Community Room, 300 Baker Lane Charleston, WV 25302, from 4:00– 5:00pm.

Funeral Mass is at 10am Friday October 9th, 2026, at The Cathedral of St. Joseph, 504 N Summit, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 with lunch reception to follow. Burial will follow at St. Thomas More Catholic Cemetery in Brookings, SD.