Sandra J. Peterson

Sandra J. Peterson of Grafton, Wis., passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 23, 2023, while visiting family in New Mexico. She was 86 years old.

Sandra enjoyed a long, successful career with Manpower Group. She served as director of quality assurance at the Manpower headquarters in Milwaukee and often traveled throughout the United States.

She carried her professionalism into retirement, serving on the Grafton Square Condo Association Board for 12 years.

She was a strong, determined and dependable person who was always willing to help others.

Sandra loved the outdoors and had many passions in life. She embraced golfing, biking, hiking and traveling. At age 75, on a favorite trip to Costa Rica with her cousin Laurie, she had her first zipline experience through the beautiful forests. She and her longtime friend Kathy often vacationed in their beloved Charleston, S.C., Door County and throughout the United States. Her travels also included Europe and Nova Scotia.

Sandra also embraced music, playing classical piano, the oboe and French horn. She was an avid reader and flower gardener. Crossword puzzles and difficult picture puzzles were a favorite pastime. Family and friends were most important to her, as were her furry dog pals. She was also a connoisseur of lemon drops and was always willing to share!

Sandra is survived by her brother Bruce Peterson, her “sister” Kathy Hayden, niece Amy (Steve) Hufnal, nephew Christoper (Leann) Peterson, great-niece Sarah Peterson, great-nephew Alec (Kerstin) Peterson and great-great-niece baby Cleo.

Sandra is further survived by cousins Laurie (Chris) Allen and Mark (Sammie) Harpke and many friends.

Survivors from her extended family include Thomas (Jennifer) Hayden and Judy (Tom) Schmid. Sandra was a “special aunt” to their children and grandchildren.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Leona (nee Stephan) Peterson and sister-in-law Sallie (nee Jennrich) Peterson.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 24, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ at 1621 Second Ave., Grafton, Wis. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at noon.

She will be laid to rest at Valhalla Memorial Park, Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be designated to Pilgrim United Church of Christ or to Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

Sandra, you will always be loved, remembered and missed by many!

Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg, is honored to serve the Peterson family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.