Sandra J. ‘Sandy’ Schneider, 73, of Merrill, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, February 26, 2021, at Marshfield Medical Center-Marshfield, surrounded by her loving family.  Sandy was born February 12, 1948, in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Herbert and Marguerite (Schwebe) Plehn.  Sandy’s family moved to the Merrill area when she was twelve years old.  Her parents owned and operated the former Plehn’s Burger and Shake in Merrill, and this is where she met her future husband, Robert Schneider.  Sandy graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1966.  Bob and Sandy were married on December 10, 1966, at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.  They moved to Osceola, WI, where Sandy worked as a medical transcriptionist.  Upon returning to Merrill, Sandy worked as an insurance specialist for the former Snyder Drug Store for 18 years.  She was a founding member and the treasurer of Wisconsin Valley Lutheran High School in Mosinee.  Sandy then served Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill as the church treasurer for many years.   Sandy loved her grandchildren and watching their sporting events.  She also enjoyed playing backyard volleyball and was the “all-time pitcher” at the family’s annual Fourth of July softball game.  She loved having the family over for swimming, picnics, and camping at “G and G’s Campground”.  Sandy enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, working on puzzles, rubber stamping, card making, and playing cards and board games with her family.  Sandy was very active at Trinity Lutheran Church and School.  She served as a member of the Dorcas Society, Adult Choir, Alleluia Ringers, and Blessings Stampers.  She was very involved in Bible Study classes, taught the New Member Class, and led the Praise Team.  She was a Girl Scout leader, served on the School Board, and volunteered as a helper in the kindergarten classes.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Robert Schneider, of Merrill; her children, Christine (Robert) Hartson, Catherine (Daniel) Page, and Timothy (Naomi) Schneider, all of Merrill; grandchildren, R.T. Hartson (fiance Maria Pankow), Ellie Hartson; Emily, Eric, Kelly, and Kory Page; and Megan, Courtney, Benjamin, Blake, Lucas, and Pollyanna Schneider; brother, Gerald (Geraldine) Plehn, of Sheboygan Falls, and many nieces and nephews.  Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Marguerite Plehn; and her siblings, Carol Funk and infant Larry Plehn.

The funeral service for Sandra will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill.  Rev. Scott Gustafson and Rev. Adam Rodriguez will officiate.  Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:00 A.M. Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the church. Masks and social distancing will be required at the funeral home and the church.  Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com