

Born to life on February 3, 1959
Born to eternal life on May 12, 2026
Sandy was a beacon of light to the world. She poured love, grace, and joy upon all she met. Sandy taught us that life is precious and unpredictable, and to be kind to everyone. She graduated from Mount Mary College with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She loved children, and the feeling was mutual. For many years, she was a teacher at Ebenezer Day Care.
When she retired from education, it did not take long for Sandy to grow restless and miss the social interactions she cherished, especially with children. Wauwatosa became her next adventure when she became a grade school crossing guard for the school district — and the social butterfly of the village. Sandy was beloved by all she encountered.
Shortly after retiring as a crossing guard, Sandy was walking around the block on a beautiful spring day when her life took a fateful turn. Suffering a stroke changed her life, but not her attitude. Sandy’s faith and acceptance of life carried her through many ups and downs. All of her caregivers loved her smile, laugh, and even the occasional “stink eye” she delivered.
Sandy entered the eternal glory of God peacefully, listening to her favorite hymns, with her favorite dog friend, Zoey, on her lap, and her sister Kathy assuring her that soon she would be “dancing with Dad.” We will miss you dearly, Sandy. But it’s not goodbye — it’s until we meet again.
Sandy is survived by her mother, Barbara Klabunde (partner John Cseri); brothers Brian Klabunde (Valerie Sauve) and Keith Klabunde (Paula); and sister Kathy Erickson. She is further survived by nieces and nephews Dean Klabunde (Rachel), Lauren Harrison (Clayton), James Klabunde (Nicole), Patricia Obluck (Alex), Lydia Klabunde, Corrin Erickson, and Nathan Erickson. Her favorite littles are Ellie Harrison, Wally Harrison, Archie Harrison, Shay Klabunde, Ian Klabunde, Elmer Klabunde, and Otto Klabunde. She was preceded in death by her father, James Klabunde; her grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at the Family Center of Wisconsin Memorial Park on June 10,2026. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm and the Memorial Service at 5:00 pm, with a reception to follow.(12875 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sandy’s church, Bethel-Bethany United Church of Christ, 2878 N. 54th St., Milwaukee, WI 53210, or to Sojourner Family Peace Center (women and children’s crisis shelter), 619 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee, WI 53212.
Sandy loved purple! Please consider wearing purple in her honor.
DONATIONS
Bethel-Bethany United Church of Christ2878 North 54th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53210
Sojourner Family Peace Center619 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212
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