Sandra Dee Tunks

Sandra D. Tunks, age 64, resident of Grand Forks, ND, died on March 25, 2024, peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side.

Sandra Dee (Arneberg) Tunks - Sandy, or Sandy “Hugs,” was born November 3rd, 1959, in Grand Forks, ND. The youngest of five, born to John and Donna (Bjerklie) Arneberg. She graduated in 1978 from Midway High School in Inkster, ND. She pursued an Associate Degree in Computer Science from the ND State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. Sandy’s numerous stops included working at Carl Ben Eielson School on the GFAFB as a custodian and later as a Preschool Special Needs Paraprofessional. After being at the school until the early 2000s, she became the face of Home of Economy - managing the Farm and Auto department in Grand Forks.

Sandy grew up on the family farm near Mekinock, ND. She later married Thomas Tunks, also from Mekinock, moving to a small farmstead along the north side of Kelly’s Slough, where they lived for over 20 years, having their son Paul in 1986. She loved living on the farm and being around both farm and wild animals while raising her son. She would often be seen mowing the lawn while listening to her favorite music. Most of all, she loved teaching children of all ages, whether at Bible School, Sunday School, or as a Para with special needs children at Carl Ben Eielson. These children would still recognize her even after 20 years and would seek her out at Home of Economy for a hug and a treat. She would share the tales of each child she encountered with anyone who would listen - she loved all of those children. 

Sandy moved to Grand Forks in 2016, where she loved being a block away from Tova, Michael, Matthew, and Catiana. Sandy loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them to parks and zoos with picnic lunches. She always baked cookies and treats for those lunches. Sandy loved the UND Sioux Hockey – she was never seen in Fighting Hawks apparel.

Sandy may have been Mom to one and Grandma to two biologically. In reality - she was mom and grandma to anyone needing advice, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen with or a tremendous motherly hug for all. No matter where she was or what she was doing, she was always ready with a smile, a HUG, and a treat for any child or animal. 

Survived by her mother, Donna (Bjerklie) Arneberg; siblings: Cynthia Arneberg, John Arneberg and Susan Hibdon; brother-in-law, Richard Sonterre; son, Paul (Amanda) Tunks; Nephews/Nieces: Peter (Judy) Hibdon, Ronald Opatich Jr, Tova (Michael) Bethel; Grandchildren: Aiven, Paige, Matthew and Catiana; Grand Nephews/Nieces: Shayla, Jehra, Jenaya, Christian and Lola.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, John Arneberg; sister, Peggy (Arneberg) Sonterre; along with both her maternal and paternal grandparents and her aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Grand Forks Parks District: 1060 47th Ave. S.  Grand Forks, ND 58201

A Memorial Service will be held at Amundson Funeral Home on Saturday, March 30, at 11:00am. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Ness Lutheran Cemetery in Mekinock, ND at a later date.