Sandra "Sandee" L. Tikalsky, age 62 of Weston, passed away peacefully, smiling to the end, on Sunday, June 17, 2012 at the Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau, with her loving husband and boys at her side. She left us on Father's Day to join her two fathers - her birth father, Newell Smith, and her Almighty Father - her Lord and Savior.
She was born on August 15, 1949 to Newell and Edith (Brand) Smith in Monroe, Wis. On February 16, 1974, she married Joseph Tikalsky, in Monroe, Wis.
Caring for her boys and husband was her greatest pride and joy in life. While in college, she worked as a nursing assistant at the UW Madison Hospital, then as a receptionist for Becher-Hoppe in Schofield, and as a teacher's aide in special education for Schofield Elementary. Most recently she worked as a librarian at the Schofield Public Library, a job which she really enjoyed. She also spent her time volunteering at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, the Wausau Public Library, and for Goodwill in Weston.
She enjoyed reading, taking walks, bike riding, and spending time at the family cottage up north. She loved taking trips with her family, visiting her sister in Colorado, flower gardening, taking drives with her son Andrew, and visiting with her close friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She was a member of the Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in Weston, and was active in their book club and Lunch Bunch. Sandee had a very strong faith in Christ. She was a very loving wife, mother and "grammy", and will be deeply missed by her family.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph Tikalsky, Weston; three sons, Dr. Joel (Kara) Tikalsky, Wausau, Andrew Tikalsky, Schofield, and Dr. Timothy (Sara) Tikalsky, Wauwatosa; four grandchildren, Hannah, Adam, Lucy, Sam, and one granddaughter on the way; her mother, Edith Smith-Leuenberger, Monroe, her siblings, Vicki Stites, Madison, Steve (Kathy) Smith, Spokane, WA, Sue (John) Carmony, Layfayette, CO, Scott (Cheryl) Smith, Toledo, OH, James Smith, Monroe, and Dr. David (Lori) Smith, Greeley, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sandee had a special place in her heart for Scott Owens, her son Joel's best friend.
She was preceded in death by her father, Newell Smith, by an uncle, Franz Brand and cousin, John Brand. She's further preceded in death by brother-in-law, Anthony Tikalsky, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Mary Block. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, 1806 Weston Ave., Weston. Lay Pastor, Jess Wakefield will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.
Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Sandee's family would like to thank the caregivers at the Aspirus Hospice House, Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and Dr. Rezazadeh for their exceptional care and compassion.
She was born on August 15, 1949 to Newell and Edith (Brand) Smith in Monroe, Wis. On February 16, 1974, she married Joseph Tikalsky, in Monroe, Wis.
Caring for her boys and husband was her greatest pride and joy in life. While in college, she worked as a nursing assistant at the UW Madison Hospital, then as a receptionist for Becher-Hoppe in Schofield, and as a teacher's aide in special education for Schofield Elementary. Most recently she worked as a librarian at the Schofield Public Library, a job which she really enjoyed. She also spent her time volunteering at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, the Wausau Public Library, and for Goodwill in Weston.
She enjoyed reading, taking walks, bike riding, and spending time at the family cottage up north. She loved taking trips with her family, visiting her sister in Colorado, flower gardening, taking drives with her son Andrew, and visiting with her close friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and family. She was a member of the Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in Weston, and was active in their book club and Lunch Bunch. Sandee had a very strong faith in Christ. She was a very loving wife, mother and "grammy", and will be deeply missed by her family.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph Tikalsky, Weston; three sons, Dr. Joel (Kara) Tikalsky, Wausau, Andrew Tikalsky, Schofield, and Dr. Timothy (Sara) Tikalsky, Wauwatosa; four grandchildren, Hannah, Adam, Lucy, Sam, and one granddaughter on the way; her mother, Edith Smith-Leuenberger, Monroe, her siblings, Vicki Stites, Madison, Steve (Kathy) Smith, Spokane, WA, Sue (John) Carmony, Layfayette, CO, Scott (Cheryl) Smith, Toledo, OH, James Smith, Monroe, and Dr. David (Lori) Smith, Greeley, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sandee had a special place in her heart for Scott Owens, her son Joel's best friend.
She was preceded in death by her father, Newell Smith, by an uncle, Franz Brand and cousin, John Brand. She's further preceded in death by brother-in-law, Anthony Tikalsky, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Mary Block. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, 1806 Weston Ave., Weston. Lay Pastor, Jess Wakefield will officiate. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.
Brainard Funeral Home - Everest Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.
Sandee's family would like to thank the caregivers at the Aspirus Hospice House, Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and Dr. Rezazadeh for their exceptional care and compassion.