Sandra Rohrer

Sandra “Sandy” Rohrer, a radiant soul who brought joy, love, and laughter to all who knew her, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 2, 2025. She was born on July 12, 1943, in Manitowoc, WI, to Henry and Ruth Hessel Kinzel. Sandy grew up in Manitowoc, where she graduated from Manitowoc High School in 1961 and attended Holy Family School of Nursing. On August 10, 1963, she married the love of her life, David Rohrer, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, adventure, and devotion.

Sandy and David built their life together in Waupun, where they raised their three children. She began her career as a nurse at Waupun Memorial Hospital. Later, Sandy earned a degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and found her true calling teaching gifted and talented students in the Waupun School District. Her passion for learning and teaching was contagious, inspiring both her students and her colleagues.

Sandy was a vibrant and spirited individual who embraced life with an infectious enthusiasm. She found tremendous joy in storytelling, especially while reading and acting out stories for children. She was an avid reader, a talented quilter, and an expressive writer whose words carried warmth, depth and meaning. Running brought her peace, and she poured her heart into everything she did—from her work to her hobbies to the family and friends she loved so deeply.

Above all, Sandy’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her husband, David, who was her steadfast partner and greatest supporter for over 60 years. She deeply loved her children, Steve, Scott (Wendy), and her beloved late daughter, Sherri. Her grandchildren, Ian and Kinzel, were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment spent as their “Oma.” Sandy also held a special place in her heart for her brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and her delightfully fun extended family.

To Sandy, friends were family, too. She built deep, lifelong connections that left a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity. Her friends were a constant source of joy and strength, lifting her up and enriching her life. The bonds she shared with them were integral to her fulfillment, filling her world with laughter, purpose, and unwavering support. She cherished every moment spent with her friends, and they will forever carry her spirit with them.

Her vibrant spirit shone through in her work with the Waupun Public Library, where she served on the board for over 40 years. Sandy’s commitment to learning, literacy, and community enriched countless lives.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband, David; her sons, Steve of Green Bay and Scott (Wendy) of Hoover, AL; her cherished grandchildren, Ian and Kinzel; her sister, Kathy (Elmer) Schill of DePere; her brothers, Michael (Karen) Kinzel, Phil Kinzel, Rick (Kathy) Kinzel, and Mark (Mary) Kinzel of Manitowoc; her brothers-in-law, Philip (Susan) Rohrer and Jeffery (Sue) Rohrer; her sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Schwartzstein, Camille (Van) Van Oss, and Kathleen (Paul) Van Valkenburg; and many nieces and nephews who cherished her. She is preceded in death by her loving daughter, Sherri; her parents, Henry and Ruth Kinzel; her sister-in-law, Judy Kinzel; and her mother-in-law, Kathryn Eggen.

A celebration of Sandy’s remarkable life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to David Rohrer at 910 Visser Ave, Waupun, WI 53963, to be directed toward causes close to Sandy’s heart.

Sandy was, and always will be, a beacon of love and light to those lucky enough to know her. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the caring personnel at Hospice, as well as Sandy's amazing ALS team at Froedtert Hospital and the ALS Association, for their compassionate care and support.