Betty Eileen (Bronson) Sandberg passed away on February 4, 2017, in her beloved home on Big Hanging Horn Lake in Barnum, just as she wished. A lifelong Minnesotan, Betty was born March 2, 1925, in St. Paul to Harry and Ethel (Swenson) Bronson. She was a graduate of St. Paul Central High School and Hamline University. In 1946, she married Donald Irving Sandberg.

As the saying goes, Betty marched to the beat of her own drum, which resulted in a long and interesting life. She was a well-respected soprano soloist and choral director. As a young woman, she taught voice at Hamline University. She sang with the St.Paul Chamber Choir and the Bach Society and performed well into her 80s with her church choir and Autumn Voices, a senior choir.

Prior to retiring "up north," Betty and Don raised their sons in Kenyon, South St. Paul, and Eagan. Together, they started Kaposia Kennels, where they raised champion German Shorthaired Pointers. In 2001, both were inducted into the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America Hall of Fame for their contributions to the breed. They traveled the world as breeders, handlers, and judges of shows and field trials and made many friends along the way.

Betty and Don were big wrestling fans and drove all over the Midwest to watch sons Pete and Scott compete with the Winona State Warriors.

Betty loved nature and had a green thumb. In her 50s, Betty took up marathon running and participated in women's backpacking trips with Outward Bound. She enjoyed swimming and canoeing well into her 80s. She volunteered for the Department of Natural Resources and maintained a stretch of rural road for the Adopt-a-Highway program.

A lifelong writer, Betty kept a daily journal and penned the Barnum News for the local newspaper for many years. She enjoyed following the activities at Barnum High School and funded several scholarships for college-bound seniors in honor of her late husband Don, a retired teacher. She was a longtime member of Barnum United Methodist Church.

She will be remembered for her generosity and hospitality, having taken in many young adults—and hungry cats—in need of housing over the years. Her family will fondly remember her cookie jar of well-done gingersnaps, her soft spot for animals, and her love of books, classical music, and action movies.

Betty is survived by sons Peter (Leslie) of Northfield and Scott of Orono; grandchildren Laurel (Nick) Sherry of St. Helena, CA, Emma (Josh) Wilhelm of Northfield, Anders (Hilary) Sandberg of Chanhassen, Erica (John) Taylor of Anoka, Kent Sandberg of Northfield, Skipp (Liz) Sandberg of Northfield; great grandchildren Ethan, Gavin, Dylan, Owen, Linnea, Linus, Cable, Lola, Jamie, and Reeve; and honorary family members Ernesto (Clara) Gonzalez and Carol Sandberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and her sons Eric and Mark.

Private services will be held. Those wishing to honor Betty's memory with a gift should direct donations to Barnum Dollars for Scholars ( barnum.dollarsforscholars.org or 3675 County Road 140, Barnum, MN 55707).