Sandra Ethel Smith, age 56, of Tiffany Township, died on Monday, June 18, 2012 at her home, surrounded by her family. This comes after a hard fought struggle with ALS. Sandy was born on July 19, 1955 to Andrew and Irene (Johnson) Wilson in Owatonna, Minnesota. She grew up, and graduated in West Concord, Minnesota. Around the completion of her schooling, Sandra found a job at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Then, upon completion of her degree at RCTC, she started working part time at the Dress Shop in Baldwin and full time at the Donaldson Company in Baldwin, WI. It was here that she met Steve Smith. What started out as a simple request to use a copy machine developed into a relationship and the two were united in marriage on October 30, 1987 in Baldwin. Shortly after the marriage, Sandy took on a job at River Ridge Rehab. This led to an interest in the medical profession and Sandy eventually earned her registered nurses degree from the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College – New Richmond Campus. This led to a job at the Baldwin Medical Center. Sandy branched out once more with Steve and the two created CNA Professional Services, a company specializing in medical training and staffing. The two ran the company from their home where it continues to grow and be successful.
Sandy was an active woman with a need for speed. She was an accomplished motorcyclist, loved riding 4-wheelers and snowmobiles, driving jeeps, with her husband and was a member of the Minnesota Chapter of the Viper Club of America. When she wasn’t out on a cruise, you could find Sandy working diligently in her flower gardens or taking her dog, Max for a hike in the woods. Her truest passion was her family and many great memories were made with them at their lake home on Long Lake.
Sandy is survived by her; husband, Steve; mother, Irene Wilson of West Concord, MN; daughter, Stephanie Smith of Chippewa Falls, WI; sons, Travis (Heather Rinehardt) Smith of Baldwin, WI and Eric Smith of New York, NY; grandchildren, Miley, Brady, Kylie, Jackson and Madalyn; sister, Cathy (Scott) Rohwer of Dodge Center, MN; parents-in-law, David and Betty Smith of Tucson, AZ; and many nieces, nephews and many dear friends. She will be missed very much by her dog, Max and cat, Franny. Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Andrew “Pete” Wilson.
A memorial celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at 3pm on Friday, June 22 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place from 1pm until time of service. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory – Baldwin, WI 715.684.3434.