Sandra K Janssen

Sandra “Sandy” Janssen, age 77 went home on Monday morning, January 21, 2019. She was born to the late John and Regina (Schisel) Markgraf on June 25, 1941 in Antigo, WI. Sandy married Carl Janssen, in 1960; they renewed their vows in 2018, promising to make her cancer journey together. He has rarely left her side since then. Together they have three children. Sandy owned and operated her own upholstery business, teaching herself to sew simply because her own couch needed fixing. She continued growing the business and working very hard for over 40 years, eventually passing the business down to her son. She loved bringing new life into each piece that she worked on, and nothing left the shop unless it was as perfect as she could make it.
Sandy was also very involved in charity work in many areas; most notably, working with St. Vincent de Paul’s for 18 years and leading the Vincentian Council for 6 years. She loved working there, and her family and friends all know how much she liked thrifting there as well. She enjoyed finding the perfect thing someone needed, and she always bought it and gave it freely. Sandy was also known for handing out crosses and words of encouragement to the people around her. She was passionate about making even the smallest difference to better someone’s life, or just their day. Many knew her as an adopted mom, grandma or mentor. Sandy and Carl are active members at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Neenah, WI. Sandy also had a passion for a weekly prayer gathering called the Chaplet of Devine Mercy which is organized by area churches including St. Gabriel’s.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her brothers, Ronnie and Greg; and sister, Delores.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Carl; three children, Chad (Cori) Janssen, Chip Janssen, and Cara (Richard) Close; seven grandchildren, Garrett, Cole, Craig, Kasie, David, Daniel, and Joseph; brothers Jerry and David; and sisters, Mary Lee, Maxine, Sharon, Debbie, and Teri. Sandy loved her family well, but her first and greatest love was for her Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ.
A memorial service for Sandy will be held at St. Gabriel’s Parish (900 Geiger St. Neenah, WI) on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 11AM. A visitation will be held from 10AM until the time of service. A prayer time centered around the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be held prior to the visitation at 9:30AM, which all are welcome to attend.