Sandra Faye Kohtz

Hastings resident Sandra Faye Kohtz, 73, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at her home.

Sandra was born on December 22, 1951, in York, NE, to Harold and Eleanor (Junge) Kohtz. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1970 and went on to earn her master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She dedicated much of her career to serving others as an administrator in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, where her compassion and leadership made a lasting impact on countless lives in many states including Alaska.

A proud member of the Elk's Club, Sandra found joy in giving back to her community. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting, golfing, and exploring new places through many world travels. Every Christmas, Sandra’s family looked forward to seeing the personal hand-made gift that she had made for each of them. Her goal was to create a quilt for every member of our family. Her creativity, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Sandra loved classic rock music and attending live concerts. She first saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show at a young age and an interest in their story stayed with her throughout her life. Sandra learned and collected all she could about the life of John Lennon and had many examples of his message of peace and unification displayed in her home. A close friend of Sandra’s in San Francisco got her interested in baseball. She enjoyed going to the games or watching on tv and became a passionate Giants fan for life. Sandra moved back to Hastings during the last stage of her career to be closer to her mom. She was reunited with and loved to play golf and darts with her lifelong friends who she deeply appreciated. Sandra enjoyed occasional trips to the casino with her sister and friends.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Howard; niece, Teresa Kline; nephew, Eugene Kohtz, Jr. and brother-in-law, Paul Toohey.

Sandra is survived by siblings, Connie Toohey, Gene (Mary) Kohtz and Marshall (Gail) Kohtz. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Tammy Toohey (Jim) Larsen, Michele (Steve) Hall, Chris (Allison) Kohtz, Scott (Jenny) Kohtz, John (Emily Brodersen) Kohtz, Ruth Kohtz (Andrew) Ek, Sarah Kohtz, and Grace Chipman. Also, there are numerous great nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Laura (Stierwaldt) Kohtz.

The Celebration of Sandra’s life will be August 3rd from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the Elks Country Club in Hastings, NE. Memorials may be given to the family.