Sandra Ann Rathgeber

Sandra Ann Rathgeber (Gaetke) was born July 13, 1943, in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota. She passed quietly in her home on December 18, 2025. She was 82. Glen A. Rathgeber, her beloved husband of 45 years, and Sandy lived in Fort Collins, CO.

Sandy is predeceased by: her grandparents Bessie and Otto Gunderson, of Austin, MN, parents, Inez and Hubert Gaetke, of San Jose, CA, daughter, Kimberly Heustis, of Fort Collins, CO, and Cupcake ‘Cuppy’ the dog.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Glen A. Rathgeber and their dog, Missy, as well as:

Children:

Jeff Hagee (Patty), of Colorado

Tracey Hagee (Dave), of Chicago, IL.

Jenny Truebenbach (Bruce), of Duluth, MN.

9 grandchildren:

Melody, Brandyn, Garrett, Anna, Matt, Marc, Chris, Annika, and Kim

Great grandchildren:

Kalilah, Anaya, Ezra, Loretta, Elijah, and Milo

Our family is grateful for the support of Peggy Bouton in the immediate aftermath. She truly was looking forward to seeing you…we promise! We love you so much!

Some details of Sandy’s life:

Sandy graduated from Apollo College with a degree in Medical Office Management. She ran a back office to the hospital in Scottsdale, AZ, before moving with her husband and family to Fort Collins, CO, where she ran an office for a Psychiatry group and then for a Neurologist. Upon semi-retirement, Sandy ran a daycare from her and Glen’s home, where many families found their way into the hearts and lives of Glen, Sandy, and the rest of the family.

While she truly loved being involved with the lives of her four children, Sandy also found time to participate in such activities as Doctors Without Borders, volunteering with Cub Scouts, Brownies and Blue Birds, sorority Beta Sigma Phi, the Red Hat Society, being a Sunday School teacher, a choir member, and committee member for the Fort Collins Relay For Life.

Recently, Sandy and Glen had been enjoying retirement as well as phone calls and visits from loved ones. Sandy always looked forward to being able to spend time with them and lit up when she knew family was visiting.

The family is looking forward to gathering for a celebration of Sandy’s life in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, it would be wonderful if donations could be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which was one of Sandy’s favorite charities. https://www.stjude.org/