Sandra Shogren

Sandra “Sandy” Shogren, 71, passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2025. She lived a life of quiet generosity and care for others.

Before retiring, Sandy spent her days helping people obtain jobs, housing, navigate programs, and find support. Whether it was guiding the community through programs at the City of Des Moines, holding hands and helping dialysis patients at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, or the thousands of problem-solving interactions with the River Hills Apartments community, she gave generously of her time and heart, often going far beyond her official duties to make sure people felt safe, heard, and cared for. Her nights and weekends were often times filled with phone calls, visits, and quiet check-ins, helping friends and family work through problems, offering advice, or simply being there.

Sandy married Alan Shogren on Christmas Eve in 1976 and lovingly kept him “in line” for nearly 45 years until his passing in 2021. She raised two boys who kept her busy, sometimes getting into mischief against each other, sometimes with each other, but always under her care. In a neighborhood that was sometimes full of challenges, Sandy made sure her family stayed close, safe, and out of real trouble, not a small feat at times.

Alan and Sandy’s small 600-square-foot home on the east side of Des Moines has been a hang out place and refuge for many during tough times and transitions, open to many, many families and friends in need over the years. There are even stories of nearby railyard “hobos” knocking on their door, guided by markings roughly translated to “kind woman will feed you…. but don’t misbehave”.

Sandy’s loss is deeply felt by her family and all who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength in those she touched.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, on November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. After the burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery, guests are invited to return to Hamilton’s for a reception featuring delicious pasta and some of Sandy’s favorite comfort foods, simple things that brought her and many of us joy throughout the years.

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