Shannon (Lofgren) Sackman

August 10, 1945 – November 9, 2025

     Sunday, November 9th, a funny, and irreverent soul departed this earth. Shannon Lofgren Sackman left behind a legacy shaped by her many roles — wife, mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend.

     Born on August 10, 1945, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to David and Wynona Lofgren, Shannon grew up in a home filled with love, laughter, and library books. She graduated from Idaho Falls High School and went on to attend Idaho State University, where she studied education and discovered her lifelong passion for teaching English — and where she also met her future husband, Gary Sackman.

     On September 15, 1967, Shannon married her best friend for life, Gary Sackman, in Idaho Falls. That same year, they moved to Gooding, Idaho, where Gary began his career as a pharmacist at Kendrick Pharmacy and Shannon started hers at Frahm Junior High School. Over the next 38 years, she inspired generations of 7th, 8th, and 9th graders teaching English, Mythology, and Yearbook. She believed deeply in her students, creating a space where young people who didn’t always feel like they belonged could find acceptance, encouragement, and laughter.

     Shannon was one of those rare people who made everyone feel welcome. She believed in her students, nudged them toward their potential, and reminded them (often with humor) that grammar matters almost as much as kindness.  Outside the classroom, Shannon was also a familiar and friendly face at Kendrick Pharmacy.  After retiring from teaching, she worked as a pharmacy technician alongside Gary in their family-owned store.

     As a mom, she was fiercely protective of her children — John Sackman of Victor, Idaho, and Carol and Karl Vanevenhoven of Yakima, Washington — guiding them through the rough patches, laughing with them in the good times, and somehow always knowing when to offer advice or just a sarcastic grin.

     As “Grandma Shannon,” she always had a hug ready and some random toy unearthed from the closet for her grandson, Case Vanevenhoven. She loved watching Case’s soccer games, sending funny cat videos, and sharing her pride in her family with anyone who’d listen.

     As a wife, she was Gary’s best friend. Married for 58 years, they were truly one — sharing laughter, stories, challenges, and triumphs. Best friends make the best family.

     The baby sister of Mikal, Marilu, and DiAnn, Shannon grew up alongside her brother Mike on a steady diet of books and adventure, developing a lifelong love of reading that she passed on to generations of students.  She took her job as Aunt Shan very seriously, loving her nieces and nephews across the miles with heartfelt gifts.  She always had an extra room in her house for family in need. 

     In the last two months, many of her former students wrote to tell her how she had changed their lives — how she helped them see their worth, sparked their love of literature, or simply listened when they needed someone. She read every letter, remembered every name, and told stories about each of you. She wished she had the energy to write you all back.

     Shannon inspired a love of reading through books like Ender’s Game, Hatchet, and The Indian in the Cupboard. She also understood the power of a good story in any form. She brought stories to life by reading aloud — always stopping at the most exciting part so her students couldn’t wait to keep reading — and by sharing story tapes like Lake Wobegon Days.  She found joy in sharing the art of storytelling wherever it lived — in books, in comics (Calvin and Hobbes), in music, in movies, and in TV shows like The Simpsons. Through every story, she shared a little of her irreverent humor and her deep compassion for others.  Outside the classroom, she loved a good latte, a cheeky meme on Facebook, a Pinochle party with friends, and a glass of red wine with her Women & Wine group.

     She left this world surrounded by her husband and children — with love, laughter, and the kind of peace she so deeply deserved. Somewhere, she’s diagramming sentences, playing Trivial Pursuit with old friends, and reminding us that commas can kill, so use them wisely.

     Shannon is survived by her loving husband, Gary Sackman of Gooding; her son, John Sackman of Victor, Idaho; her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Karl Vanevenhoven of Yakima, Washington; her cherished grandson, Case Vanevenhoven; her brother and sister-in-law, Mikal and Ilene Lofgren of Riverton, Utah; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Wynona Lofgren, and her sisters, Marilu Walc and DiAnn Anderson.

     Per Shannon’s request, there will be no funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Shannon’s name to:

Road to Home animal rescue or the Gooding Dog Pound. 

Donations for Road to Home can be mailed to 106 S. Rail Rd E. Shoshone, ID 83352

or can be dropped off with Julie at G & H Ace Hardware in Gooding

or Susie with G & H Ace Hardware in Shoshone. 

Donations for the Gooding Dog Pound can be dropped off

or mailed to 925 7th Ave W. Gooding, ID 83330.

     To honor her memory, re-read a book you love, tell a friend a cheeky joke (woopie cushions allowed), and share a random act of kindness. Mrs. Sackman will be smiling right along with you.

     Rest easy, Shan. You made this world brighter, funnier, and kinder — and we’ll keep telling your stories, just the way you taught us. ❤️

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