Sandra L. Aichele, formerly of Valley Springs, South Dakota, passed away on April 27, 2026, at the age of 86 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Born on July 1, 1939, to Immell and Sibyl (Hayes) Dump, Sandra was raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and attended public school until the 8th grade.

On August 15, 1957, she married Jan M. Aichele in Luverne, Minnesota. The couple initially lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, during Jan's military service, then moved to Tacoma, Washington. Ultimately, they returned to Sioux Falls and settled in Valley Springs, South Dakota, in 1961. Sandra was the mother of eight children: Jan Jr., Marilyn, Emma, Ursula, Vivian, Amy, Charles, and Sarah.

As a dedicated housewife and mother, Sandra focused on raising her children and managing their education. She enjoyed gardening and trained greyhounds for the racetrack. After her children grew up, she worked at Brandon Valley Elementary School as a lunch lady for 25 years, where she cherished caring for young students.

In her retirement, Sandra loved spending time at the casino with Jan, particularly enjoying blackjack and forming lasting friendships there. They frequented Grand Falls Casino, which became a second home. Sandra also had hobbies that included listening to music, exploring flea markets, and completing challenging word search puzzles.

One notable experience in Sandra's life was her participation with Jan in the television show "American Pickers." However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her five children survive Sandra: Emma (Rob) Haight of Brandon, SD; Ursula O'Donnell of Chase, KS; Vivian (Merlin) Selland of Larchwood, IA; Amy (Kevin) Sherman of Brandon, SD; and Charles (Maia) Aichele of Monument, CO. She also leaves behind 18 grandchildren and over 20 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Immell and Sibyl Dump; her husband, Jan Aichele Sr.; her son, Jan M. Jr.; her daughters, Sarah Dykstra and Marilyn Weaver; her grandson, Hayden Aichele; her brothers, Robin Dump, Jerry Dump, Bill Hayes, Ardean Hays, and Tom Hayes; as well as sons-in-law, Richard Weaver and Jim Sherman.

A funeral service will be held at Miller Funeral Home – Downtown, Sioux Falls, SD, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with family available to greet friends starting at 10:00 AM. Sandra will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Brandon Cemetery in Brandon, South Dakota.