Sandra M. Zimmermann's Obituary
Sandra May Zimmermann, 86, Waupaca, passed peacefully on February 15, 2026. Her long-life included adventures in many beloved places that she called “home.” Born Sandra May Roberts in Kansas City, Missouri to Gordon and Violet (Raines) Roberts, she was the joy of their lives. When she was two, Sandy’s mother began the tradition of ‘mother and daughter’ pictures for their family Christmas cards. These annual photos were taken at their homes in Topeka, Kansas and later in Racine, Wisconsin, where she grew up. Throughout her childhood, she relished family life in her Racine home as well as maintaining family roots with her rural cousins in Lawson, Missouri and visiting relatives in Kansas City.
In 1960, Sandy married the love of her life, Robert William Zimmermann whom she had met at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Living first in Madison, Bob and Sandy eventually settled in Sun Prairie where they happily raised their three children. Sandy’s life was filled with joy! She was an avid gardener, a passion she shared with her mother. She loved needlework and opened “Prairie Junction,” a unique needlework specialty shop, with her dear friends Ceil and Diane. Bob and Sandy shared a love of traveling and cherished lifelong friendships. Into her later years, Sandy took up watercolor painting, continuing to develop her artistic talents. She created countless pieces that are treasured keepsakes in the homes of her family. She will be fondly remembered each year as Christmas trees are decorated with the lovely glass ornaments she so carefully selected as gifts for decades.
Certainly, the greatest joy of Sandy’s life was her family. Together with their children and grandchildren, Bob and Sandy shared many memorable years at their lake home in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Each 4th of July celebration, pontoon boat ride, and dinner on the screened-in porch strengthened family ties. They also called Destin, Florida “home” and spent many happy years into their retirement as snowbirds until, once again, they returned home to Waupaca to be near their children. Together, Bob and Sandy shared 65 beautiful years of marriage and a steadfast faith in both times of joy and sorrow.
Sandy is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Zimmermann (Waupaca). She leaves behind and will be greatly missed by her three loving children - William (Bill) Zimmermann (Mary), Waupaca; John (Jack) Zimmermann (Leanne), Custer, and Jane Cisewski (Todd), Stevens Point. Sandy is also survived by her dear grandchildren - Perri, Seth, Greta, Samantha, Jackie, Elizabeth and Amanda and great-grandchildren Hank, Dylan, Reese, and Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28 at 12:00 (noon) at the Parfreyville United Methodist Church in Waupaca. Visitation will take place on Saturday, from 10:30 until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Parfreyville United Methodist Church, memo Sandra Zimmermann Memorial Fund.
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