Sandra "Sandy" Jo Bucknell

Sandra “Sandy” Bucknell age 69 of Tripoli, IA, died Saturday, October 4, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Patty Kellogg and Dwayne Potter presiding. Interment will be held at Sunnyside Memory Gardens, rural Charles City.

Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour before the funeral service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Sandra Jo Bucknell, affectionately known as Sandy, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Waterloo, IA. She was born on August 21, 1956, in Charles City, IA, the daughter of Dale and Wilma (Martin) Kellogg. Her life was a testament to the love and laughter she brought to everyone around her.

Sandy began her education journey in her hometown and completed it at New Hampton Community Schools where she formed lifelong friendships and developed her strong sense of community. On September 8, 1973, Sandra’s life was forever changed when she married the love of her life, Daniel Bucknell, at Faith Bible Chapel in Charles City. Their love blossomed into a family of seven with the birth of their five cherished children. Her life forever changed again in 1977 when she became a born again Christian.

As a dedicated and loving mother, Sandra devoted the early years of her life to caring for her children while taking immense joy in watching them grow and being their primary caregiver during their formative years. Sandra took an active role in her church community while assisting in the church kitchen, helping in children’s ministry, and taking a primary role in planning and carrying out church activities throughout the years. As her children matured, Sandy embarked on a new chapter joining the team at Hillcrest Homes in Sumner. For over 25 years, she was a steadfast and loyal employee, admired by her colleagues for her work ethic, commitment, and sense of humor.

Sandy’s interests were as varied as they were enriching. With a green thumb, she nurtured her garden which bloomed with as much vibrancy as her personality. As an avid fisherwoman, she could often be found with a rod and reel in hand, delighting in the tranquility of nature and the thrill of the catch. Sandy had a creative spirit and often took pleasure in crafting. However, the true epicenter of Sandy’s world was her family and her faith. She reveled in spending time with her loved ones, attending their activities, serving others, and offering support in every aspect of their lives.

As a beacon of light in her community, Sandra was always ready to lend a helping hand and share her wisdom. Her innate ability to judge character ensured that she surrounded herself and her family with genuine and kind-hearted individuals. Sandy was renowned for her spirited nature, often described as a ‘firecracker,’ bringing joy and laughter to those fortunate enough to be in her presence.

Those who knew Sandra will remember her as a loving, faith-filled, spirited, and funny woman whose laughter could light up the darkest of rooms. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, unwavering support, and the countless happy memories she created with all who crossed her path.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Daniel Bucknell of Tripoli, IA; five children, Jason (Sherry) Bucknell of Ionia, IA, Jenny Bucknell of Tripoli, IA, Trisha (Brian Allen) Bucknell of Tripoli, IA, Jacob (Marissa) Bucknell of Tripoli, IA, and Tonya (Ryan) Niehaus of Cedar Rapids, IA; fifteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Wayne Nathem of Waterloo, IA; five sisters-in-law, Brenda Kellogg of Seattle, WA, Sharon Kellogg of Ionia, IA, Diane Kellogg of Ionia, IA, Lynette Kellogg of Ionia, IA, and Cindy Kellogg of Ionia, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Mike Kellogg, Bruce Kellogg, Larry Kellogg, LeRoy Kellogg, and Leslie Kellogg; one sister, Bonnie Healy; and a nephew, Joe Kellogg