Sandy K. Thompson

Sandy Thompson, 57, of Bismarck, ND passed away peacefully at her home on September 26, 2024 under the care of hospice following a brave battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 1st at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan. Burial will follow in the columbarium at Mandan Union Cemetery. 

Sandra Kay was born June 12, 1967 to Henry and Elain Gustin. Sandy grew up in Mandan and was the youngest of four siblings. Sandy attended Christ the King Elementary School with her best friend Lisa Kruckenberg and went on to graduate from Mandan High School in 1985. Sandy attended Minot State University graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Mary. Sandy worked for the Department of Human Services as both an addiction counselor and most recently as Director of a Human Services center. Sandy started her own business of Family Recovery Coaching, called Path to Pono. Pono is a Hawaiian word for perfection. Lastly, she worked for Good Road Recovery as the Clinical Director. 

Sandy loved traveling, most especially to the island of Molokai in Hawaii, where she and her husband visited 10 times. Sandy and Roger most enjoyed the whale watching. Whales became almost legendary to them as their size and grace was a true inspiration of the natural world. Snorkeling, as well as local food and beverage, along with getting to know some of the local residents of the island were what we she & Roger enjoyed most. The young kids or “kiki” as they are known in Hawaii, called her Auntie Sandy as a sign of respect. Sandy had many qualities as a woman and was a fantastic aunt to her nephews and nieces. She hosted endless sleep overs and shared endless love. The 4th of July was her favorite holiday where they hosted many BBQ get-togethers.

She is survived by her big brother Wes, whom she always jokingly called a redneck and hillbilly; and her husband Roger Thompson (who were married Oct. 1, 2005).