Sandy Jo Drebenstedt, age 69, of Merrill, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013 at Kennedy Park Nursing and Rehab Center.
Sandy Jo was born on Jan. 31, 1944 in Wausau to Rev. Norbert Hellrud, who preceded her in death, and JoAnn (Ahrens) Hellrud. She graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio on June 6, 1966. Sandy Jo was a teacher for many years and retired from DPI in 2008. She married Howard Drebenstedt on Sept. 2, 1967 at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashippun, WI. Her uncle and godfather, John Ahrens, had the honor of walking Sandy Jo down the aisle.
Sandy Jo was a member of, as well as being past president of, AFSCME Retirees, Sub Chapter 115. She spent some of her younger years living in Japan, Germany, as well as various parts of the United States before coming home to Wausau in 1970. Sandy Jo was presented with an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for being a judge in the 2013 Independent Book Publishers Association Book Contest. She has earned this award for the past 15 years. Sandy Jo enjoyed reading, traveling, music, sewing, quilting and crochet.
Survivors include her husband, Howard Drebenstedt; mother, JoAnn Hellrud; two sons, Monte (Stacie) Drebenstedt, Willow Street, PA, John (Heather) Drebenstedt, Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Dietric Ranck and Ben Drebenstedt; two uncles, Ed (Ginny) Ahrens, and John Ahrens, all of Wausau; aunt, Bernice Hellrood, Schofield; special niece, Christine Walker, Waukesha; great nieces, Samantha and Brienna; and great nephew, J.P., all of Tomahawk; she is also survived by other nieces and nephews.
Sandy Jo is preceded in death by her father, Rev. Norbert Hellrud.
Memorial service was held Monday, Nov. 11, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road. Rev. Nancy Russell officiated. Private family inurnment took place at Restlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Special thanks to Kennedy Park Nursing and Rehab Center and all the wonderful staff there.
Brainard Funeral Home – Wausau is assisting the family. Condolences may be given to bfh@brainardfuneral.com.