Sandra K. Delaney Harber Guckeen, 82

Sandra K. Delaney Harber Guckeen, 82

Sandra Kay Delaney Harber Guckeen, age 82, of Austin, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family.

Sandy was born February 19, 1943 at her grandmother’s home in Washington Park, East St. Louis, Illinois, to Florence L. Klemme and James M. Delaney. She moved to Austin, Minnesota in 1948 when her father began working for Hormel and playing baseball in the Southern Minnie League.

Sandy attended elementary school in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1961. She attended Austin Junior College (during the last years it was located at the High School) and was hired as a “Jr. College Girl” at St. Olaf Hospital where she worked in the business office and served as secretary to Director of Nursing, Frances Benson.

On December 26, 1962, Sandy married David A. Harber at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin, where his parents were Charter Members. Sandy and Dave met at The Tower, Austin’s teen center, introduced by mutual friends, Judy Carothers and Tom Berven. They lived in Minneapolis for 2 years while he attended the University of Minnesota and worked at Ember’s Restaurant and she worked at the office of U of M President O. Meredith Wilson. They then returned to Austin, working and raising their family. They had two children, Thomas L. Harber and Susan K. Harber. During this time, she and Dave joined Austin Jaycees and Mrs. Jaycees where they enjoyed working many volunteer projects and made lifelong friends. Sandy served as President of the Mrs. Jaycees in 1965.

On November 21, 2007, Sandy married Kenneth P. Guckeen at Our Savior’s where Pastor Glenn Monson performed his shortest wedding ceremony ever -15 minutes!!! Sandy and Ken were introduced by mutual friends, Marie Erickson and Mark Hanson. They knew many of the same people in Austin, but had never met. They shared many common interests and quickly became a couple.

Sandy’s career as a legal secretary began when she was employed by Fred R. Kraft in 1964. Over the years, she worked at various law firms in Austin, retiring from the Richardson Law office in 2007. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, having breakfast with friends, Wednesday ladies night out, and traveling. She and Ken traveled to 50 states together. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona, Texas and Florida. She served on the Board of the Mower County Senior Center, the Keystone Townhome Board and 1961 Class Reunion Committees. Sandy was also secretary of the Austin Figure Skating Club.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; and husband, David A. Harber in 2004.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Kenneth P. Guckeen of Austin; son, Thomas (Julie) Harber of Rogers, MN; daughter, Sue (Tom) Doering of Gleason, WI; stepsons, David Guckeen of Austin and Shawn Guckeen of Mankato; grandchildren, Madison (Ben) Kostroski, Samantha Harber, Delaney (Connor) Wulf, Dylan (Brianna) Harber, Riley Doering; step grandsons, Joe Guckeen and Alex Guckeen; sister, Joan (Jerry) Grimm, Morrison, IL; brother, Jim Delaney, Alexandria, MN; aunt, Sister of Notre Dame Patricia (Charlotte) Delaney; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Reverend Dr. Kristen Venne officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or to the Mower County Senior Center.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary