Sandra J. Plehal

Sandra Jean (Velasco) Plehal, was a most magnificent kind and selfless human being who passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the age of 78 at a Richfield care center. She was such a joy to live with and entertaining to be around. Sandy left behind a rich legacy of creativity, compassion, principled action and joyful living.

Born on October 23, 1946, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Nestor and Iona (Smith) Velasco, Sandy grew up in a military family, moving often, to include Air Force bases in Minot, Sacramento, Waco, San Antonio, Bangor and Portsmouth. These early experiences nurtured her adventurous spirit, resilience, and deep appreciation for people and places. Growing up, she regularly took ballet and painting classes, often with her sister Colleen. She graduated from Portsmouth High School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and went on to study dance at the University of Utah. It was there that she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Plehal. They both graduated in 1969 and were married on December 20, 1969, in Austin, Minnesota. As Jim pursued a career in the U.S. Navy, Sandy embraced a life of movement and purpose, living in Groton and New London, Connecticut; Key West, Florida; Annapolis, Maryland; and Homestead, Florida. Along the way, she brought joy and wit to every role she held, whether as a teacher’s assistant in elementary schools or working in sales, she had a gift for connecting with people and making them smile. At the end of Jim’s career in the Naval Reserve, Sandy was spectacular as the Admiral’s wife, as she herself served with poise, dignity and energy. She was particularly adept at connecting with the community officers, sailors and their spouses on varieties of occasion, which was especially important during the period of high rate of cryptologic calls to active duty in the Gulf War. She was also an instigator of fun and camaraderie within the Admirals’ wardroom when they and their spouses met for regular conferences.

In 1979, the Plehal family put down roots in Red Wing, Minnesota. There, Sandy’s love of the arts blossomed into the founding of Steamboat Park Art Gallery, where for 27 years she championed local artists and helped cultivate a thriving creative community. She also owned and operated Chiefly Red Wing, a beloved gift shop in the historic Pottery Place, where her artistic eye and joyful spirit touched countless lives. A lifelong artist, Sandy began painting in watercolors before moving to acrylics. But her creativity and determination reached far beyond her brush. She approached every challenge with fearless innovation and every day with intention and care, despite her struggles to breathe for over 53 years after contracting severe lung disease in 1972. Even those closest to her could not appreciate how difficult and wearing this struggle was for her and the cumulative toll on her health the medicines she took to keep her alive would eventually take. Incredibly, through all, she had a sharp mind, a fearless heart, and a wicked sense of humor that could lift a room and lighten any load. Her quick wit, infectious laugh, and delight in life’s absurdities were treasured by all who knew her. Sandy found joy in painting, antiquing, theatre, music, concerts, history, travel, camping, gardening, animals, and raising Andrew. She loved deeply, laughed often, and lived her life with color and courage.

Sandy is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, James Plehal; her beloved son, Andrew Plehal; her sister, Colleen (Anthony) Korf and nephew Damon Korf of New York; her sister-in-law, Birgit Velasco and her children Nina Marie and Alois Nestor; her aunt, Patricia Lynch; brothers-in-law, John Plehal and Tom (Karolyn) Plehal; sister-in-law Gareth Plehal; and numerous special cousins all over the country. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nestor and Iona Velasco, and her brother, Robert Velasco.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 6 at First Presbyterian Church in Red Wing. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com. In liu of flowers, memorials in Sandy’s name will gratefully be accepted at any of the following: River Bluff Humane Society of Red Wing; Red Wing Arts; Goodhue County Historical Society; and Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance.