Sandra Marie ((Nistler)) Ammala (Reich) (Boyer)

Sandra “Sandy” Ammala (Reich) (Boyer) (Nistler) passed on April 27th, 2026 at the age of 88 years.

Born Feb 10, 1938, in Darwin, MN to Alice and Reinhart Nistler. She grew up and lived her life in the Aitkin and McGregor area.

Preceded in death by parents, sister Joyce (John) Knaack, brother Terry Nistler, son William Boyer, grandson Nicholas (Amy) Opatz, husbands Warren Reich and Erland Ammala.

Survived by sisters Karen (Ray) Marsala, Judy (Roger) Aker, Peggy (Dick) Ladd, Joan (Terry) Benton, brothers Leroy “Sonny” (Brenda) Nistler, Tom (Sandy) Nistler, and Greg Nistler, son Jeff (Liz) Boyer, daughters Kathi (Denny) Neil, Holly (Lee Valsvik) Boyer, grandchildren Kelly Boyer, Thomas Boyer, Nathan Opatz, Brady (Heather) Neil, Adam Neil, Maxwell Valsvik, Makena Valsvik and many great, and even great great grandchildren.

She was a cherished stepmother and grandmother to Kevin, Kelvin, Kim and Kelly Reich and their children.

Sandra attended Aitkin High School. Her vocation was working as a nurse’s assistant, employed at Aicota Nursing home and then Riverwood Extended Care until she retired in 2003.

Our beloved Sandy was remarkable for her wit (sometimes colored with sarcasm) and her uncanny ability to make her family feel specially loved. Her passions included covering every open lawn space with a flower garden, rock collecting, woodworking, canning and freezing food, her pets, and taking care of all of us. She loved her siblings dearly and remained close to all of them through the years.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Carefree Living staff in McGregor for their exemplary care for the last several years and Saint Croix Hospice for their care and guidance over the last several months.

Services will be Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 at 11 AM in McGregor Funeral Home, McGregor with Scott Stinson officiating.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Spencer Cemetery, Spencer Township.  To leave a message of condolence, please visit:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home, McGregor.

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