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Sandra Johnston 07/07/2025

Sandra Johnston 07/07/2025

Sandra “Sandee” Lee Johnston, age 78 of River Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love on Monday, July 7, 2025. Sandee courageously and gracefully battled cancer until she was welcomed into Heaven no longer suffering from her illness.

Sandee was born on March 25, 1947 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to James and Betty Appleton. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1965. Sandee was loved by her classmates which was evident when she was voted Homecoming Queen. She enjoyed school and loved her time as a cheerleader. She was also 2nd runner up to Miss Hudson and voted Miss Congeniality by her peers. Sandee met her soulmate Bill in high school in 1964. They were married on April 20,1968 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage, friendship, adventure, love and devotion until her passing. A true once in a lifetime love that created the beautiful family Sandee was so proud of.

Sandee was a stay at home mom and later found joy in her career at the River Falls School District. She worked in the Activities Office and was the Meyer Middle School secretary until she retired in 2014. She was also the assistant girls golf coach and later the head girls golf coach, a role she truly cherished. Sandee thrived on the energy of the children at school and was always willing to help students and staff with whatever was needed.

Sandee had an absolute passion for golf. She was a member at the River Falls Golf Club for many years and later Kilkarney Hills Golf Club. She was a repeat Women’s Club Champion at River Falls Golf Club and had a hole in one four times over the years. Sandee loved to be up at the course just as the sun was rising to play with her friends. She didn’t like riding in a cart, but instead would walk all 18 holes no matter the weather. That was usually just the beginning of a day in her busy life.  Sandee was also an avid Packers fan. She could be found yelling at the TV or doing her touchdown dance. She lived life to the fullest.

Sandee’s greatest joy and accomplishment in her life were her children and grandchildren. She was an incredible mother and grandmother always showing kindness, love, patience, humor and joy to her family. She was an absolute light in the family and loved celebrating the big moments and everything in between. She found joy in the simplest of things and made everything more meaningful because of it. Attending her children and grandchildren’s events was the highlight of her life and her smile while watching them radiated from across the room. She had a special way of bringing happiness and joy to everyone around her. Her family will hold close the unwavering love she gave and the strength she showed in every season of life.

Sandee will forever be in the hearts of her husband, Bill Johnston; children, Bill (Tamara) Johnston, Lisa (Steve) Balaam, Erin (Frank) Fenton; grandchildren, Victoria (Lucas) Johnston, Will (Mandi) Johnston, Avery Singel, Mason Singel and 4 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings, Penny Olson, Michael (Debby) Appleton, Linda (Jerry) Johnson, Debra Hansen, Dennis Appleton, Connie (George) Thorson, Steve Appleton, Dana (Mike) Blue, Lori Vorwald, Doreen (Jim) Berger, Scott (Becky) Appleton, 14 nieces and 9 nephews.

A celebration of life was held on Thursday, July 31st from 3-6pm at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club. All who knew and loved her joined us in honoring her incredible life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to Coco’s Heart Rescue. She loved all animals big and small and found value in all living things.

 

18 Comments

  • Peter solum Posted July 8, 2025 4:34 pm

    Great lady and will be missed

  • Mary Waters Posted July 8, 2025 7:07 pm

    Sander was a.wonderful lady. My deepest sympathy to Billy and family.

  • Eileen Eggen Posted July 8, 2025 7:43 pm

    Such a great friend and co-worker. She always was friendly to everyone. It was an honor to know her and her family.

  • Sheri Fowler Posted July 8, 2025 8:01 pm

    Fly high at the golf course in the sky, Sandee! Heaven gained a wonderful person who will be deeply missed here on earth.💔

  • paul whiteside Posted July 9, 2025 1:30 pm

    know her a long time she will be missed

  • Arline Taylor Posted July 9, 2025 4:55 pm

    So sorry to see this – I worked with Sandee for many years at the high school – she was a joy to work with❣️

  • Susie Lyksett Posted July 9, 2025 6:32 pm

    I graduated with Sandee in 1965, 60 years ago. She was always the friendliest person and got along with everyone. She was our homecoming queen and will always be. She came to our mini reunion last September and I had a nice visit with her. She loved her family so much and I’m sure they’re going to miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • Susie Lyksett Posted July 9, 2025 6:34 pm

    I graduated with Sandee from high school in 1965. Yes, 60 years ago. She was always so friendly to everyone. She was our homecoming queen and will always be. She loved her family so much and I’m sure they will miss her a lot. Prayers and thoughts go to them now.

  • Carole Mottaz Posted July 10, 2025 7:31 am

    Sander was such a lovely person, always positive and encouraging to others on the golf course. She had such a positive energy wherever she went.

  • Nancy Tate Posted July 10, 2025 9:58 am

    Absolutely loved at MMS!! We will all miss her.♡

  • Judy Sigssworth Posted July 10, 2025 4:28 pm

    Sandee was one of my school friends. We graduated in 1965 from Hudson, Wi. What a special soul. My prayers are with the hole family. God Bless. Sandee rest in Peace.

  • Craig Pechacek Posted July 12, 2025 12:49 pm

    So sorry for your loss, great lady!!

  • Tom Carroll Posted July 13, 2025 8:09 am

    So very sorry to hear about the passing of Sandee. I worked with Sandee at River Falls High School. She always had a very positive attitude and a big beautiful smile on her face. Bill and family please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Debbie Keller Posted July 17, 2025 3:33 pm

    Sandee was an absolute treasure. She was kind and thoughtful and generous to everyone who knew her. She will not be forgotten.

  • Ron Nelson Posted July 17, 2025 10:19 pm

    What a delightful beautiful person. That great smile & energy she always had. She will be missed by all who knew her.

  • Molly Loney Posted July 21, 2025 9:47 am

    Sandee was an amazing person and will be greatly missed. I was lucky enough to have her as a coach in high school and have so many wonderful memories of her. She always had a smile! Sending prayers to you all.

  • Maggie Loney Posted July 30, 2025 4:45 pm

    I have so many fun memories of Sandee from her HS coaching days. She was such an inspiration to all of us young female golfers. Always had a positive, dedicated, hard working attitude. Many laughs were shared on the van rides to tournaments. She was a wonderful, kind, and caring person! I will miss running into her at the golf course.

  • Deanna Janilla Posted August 1, 2025 8:13 pm

    What an awesome next door neighbor in the 70s! Many fond memories! My deepest sympathy to the family.

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