Sandy L. Anderson

In loving memory of Sandy Anderson, 75, the endlessly witty and hilarious heart of our family passed away on October 11, 2023, surrounded by those who cherished her. Born on June 23, 1948, Sandy dedicated her career to the Chippewa Falls school district, where she shared her love for reading with countless elementary school children.

Sandy was the glue that bound our family together, and she did it with an unmatched zest for life. Survived by her devoted husband, Dave, of 51 years; her son, Josh (Meghan); and her twin daughters, Erin (Kate) and Jennifer (Kacy); along with her grandchildren, Maison and Sofia. Other survivors include siblings, Terry (Carol) Benson, Carlene (Duane) Schultz, Doug Benson, Marlene Rubenzer, and Sue (Ken) Patnode. Preceded in death by her parents, Carl (Luella) Benson; and brother, Bruce (Lynn) Benson.

In addition to her many unforgettable qualities, Sandy and Dave were renowned polka champions and shared a deep love for dancing together. Their grace on the dance floor was an inspiration to many and added an extra layer of joy to their relationship, and their infectious enthusiasm for dance brought smiles and applause to all who had the privilege of watching them.

Known for her youthful spirit, our mom was forever a kid at heart—a nickname lovingly bestowed by our dad, who referred to her as "kiddo" throughout her life. Whenever Sandy was present, you could be sure that infectious laughter wasn't far behind. She was the life of the party, the prankster, and she'd do just about anything to elicit a laugh from those around her. We'll forever miss her laughter, her spontaneous singing, her impromptu dancing, and her knack of involving us in "I dare you to ___” type escapades.

She'll be deeply missed, but the comedic legacy she leaves behind is an everlasting gift, including unforgettable moments like:

1. One Easter, after a car accident left our dad unable to stand upright or tilt his head up due to neck pain, she turned a misfortune into an Easter prank. She suspended his Easter basket from the living room ceiling, and he hunted high and low, never realizing it was just out of reach!

2. On another occasion, she challenged Erin to "see if you can fit into that little milk truck," a kiddie ride outside Walmart. Erin, in her twenties at the time, contorted herself into the tiny truck, only to realize she was stuck. Did Sandy come to the rescue? Not a chance. She dropped a quarter into the machine to start the ride and walked away, leaving Erin to look utterly ridiculous while she observed from a distance, doubled over in laughter.

3. After purchasing a new vehicle, our parents were on their way home, cruising along at 55 mph. when Sandy's curiosity got the best of her. She nonchalantly inquired, "What does this lever do?" As she tugged on it, she quickly found out it was the emergency brake, causing the brakes to lock up instantly. The sudden jolt was so powerful that it even dislodged her finger, allowing the car to regain momentum. This unexpected event certainly made for one of the most memorable drives of Dave's life!

4. At Sandy’s house, she had what she called a "special drawer" that was stocked with games, toys. and quirky things for her grandchildren Maison and Sofia to discover. Whenever the kids came to her house, they would all rummage through the drawer together, and it was always unclear who was more excited our mom or the kids. 

Sandy's playful and fun-loving spirit left a permanent mark on everyone fortunate enough to meet her, and her humor lives on through her children. As we remember her, let’s celebrate the laughter, joy, and happiness she brought into all of our lives.

A celebration of life will be held on October 21, 2023, at the Chippewa Area Historical Center located at 12 Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls from 1:00-5:00. This gathering will be an opportunity for friends and family to come together, share stories, and honor Sandy's memory. Please join us in celebrating the life of this remarkable woman.