Sandra "Sandi" Mary VanGheem, 74, of Lakewood, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 15, 2021, due to injuries sustained in a fire that claimed her home and the life of her beloved husband, Dave.

Sandi was born in Green Bay, WI on August 27, 1946, to the late Orville Weycker and Mary Weycker (Bakken).  Sandi spent most of her life living in the Green Bay area.  When she married, she resided in Howard where she and her husband built a life and raised a family.  Later into her retirement, Sandi settled into life in the northwoods of Lakewood, WI.

Sandi graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1964.  After high school, Sandi began working and held various positions from Bank Teller to 911 Dispatcher.  Always interested in learning something new and doing all she could to provide for her family, Sandi went back to school as an adult and graduated from Northeast WI Technical School in 1988 with a degree in Mechanical Design.  This education launched her career with Schreiber Foods where she worked for nearly 20 years designing parts and machines.

Sandi married her late husband David "Dave" VanGheem on October 22, 1966.  The couple was getting ready to celebrate their 55 ^th wedding anniversary this year.

Sandi had the biggest heart and will be remembered most for doing anything for anyone at any time, without a question.  She never missed an opportunity to call you on your birthday, talk with the kids and grandkids about their week, or offer helpful advice always filled with wisdom and a little humor along the way.  Sandi had a green thumb and loved planting around the cottage.  From beautiful flowers and plants to the most gorgeous tomato plants you have ever seen.  Sandi was also very crafty, often making gifts for others such as knitting afghans or dreaming up special homemade holiday gifts for her entire family.  Above all, Sandi was happiest when she was spending time with her kids and grandchildren. "Nana" as the grandkids called her, taught them all so much and was a mentor figure for all who knew her.

Sandi is survived by her children Kristine "Kris" Payant (Robert), Dana VanGheem, Wendi Scharenbroch, and Alan "Al" VanGheem (Melissa), and special family friend Marty Johnson.  Sandi was blessed with eight grandchildren Josh Johnson, Michael Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Adam Johnson, Caleb Payant, Nathan Scharenbroch, Cody VanGheem (Heather), and Alyssa VanGheem. Sandi was also a great-grandmother to Eleanore VanGheem and had another great-granddaughter on the way. Sandi is also survived by her brother Alan "Al" Weycker (Kathy) and numerous nieces and nephews.  Sandi was also a true friend and is survived by her closest and most beloved friends Sandy, Judy, Linda, and Lowie.

Sandi is preceded in death by her husband Dave, her parents, her in-laws Charlotte VanGheem (Collette) and Raymond VanGheem, and cherished family dogs Sheba, Kiya and Storm.

A memorial gathering to celebrate the lives of Dave and Sandi VanGheem will be held at the Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Howard-Suamico location, 1145 Cardinal Lane, on Friday, July 23, 2021 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. with  a service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Online condolences welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses and doctors at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Regional Burn Unit in Milwaukee for their expert care, comfort, and love.  In addition, the family would like to thank all who have reached out to share a memory of Dave and Sandi, said prayers for the family, and the numerous family and friends who have kept the family in their thoughts during this tragic time.  We feel your love and we are endlessly grateful.