Sandra Laukkanen, age 73, of Rock passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
Sandy was born November 16, 1944 in Marquette, Michigan, the daughter of Roy and Pearl (Roy) Johnson. She was united in marriage to Irving “Bill” Laukkanen on April 6, 1963 in Eben, Michigan. Sandy worked as a secretary for the Michigan State University Extension in Chatham for 25 years. She was an active member of the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham and the Rock Senior Center. She was also on the Board of Directors for the Chatham Co-op, and enjoyed bowling, softball, golfing, Ping-Pong, as well as board games and volunteering for good causes.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Bill of Rock, son, Rick Laukkanen of Seattle, Washington, daughter, Billie Jean (Greg) Schermerhorn of Sussex, Wisconsin, grandchildren, Alexis and Jacob, sisters, Loretta (Red) Peterson of Marquette, Michigan and Norma (Roland) Larson of National Mine, Michigan and 13 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ron Johnson and her sister, Beverly Johnson.
She embraced and enjoyed life: Sandra’s smile would light up a room. Her strength of character and will allowed her to pursue her passions while fighting the battle with cancer long past medical expectations: providing additional time on this earth to spend with her loved ones, family and friends. Those who knew her well enjoyed her competitive spirit — she was a gracious winner. She, as well, had fun competing in those rare occasions she found herself on the losing side.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 17 from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM with Pastor Paul Kelto officiating. A luncheon will be served following the services in the fellowship hall. Sandy will be entombed at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
The Laukkanen family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.
Penny Koski - Chatham, Mi
Good friend you will be missed greatly.
Maretta (Seppi) Case - Fulton, Mi
Sorry to hear about Sandy.My sympathies to the family.Played softball many years back.Great memories. RIP Sandy
Linda Fiedler - Boca Raton, Fl
RIP Sandy. I’ll always remember my fun summers in the UP with you and all my other Johnson-Peterson cousins.
Linda Johnson Fiedler
Judie and Bob - Eben Junction, MI
Dear Bill, Billie, and Ricky,
A wonderful friend and classmate will be truly missed.
Birthday Club won’t be quite the same.
Pete Bucholtz - St. Johns, MI
I spent time with Sandy at the Chatham experiment station during my childhood. I would go to work with my dad, Herb Bucholtz, during summer vacation from Skandia elementary. I used to help check the weather station and prank her by turning her name plaque upside down. She was fun to be around and had a sense of humor to put up with me. Just thought I would share some good memories. She will be missed.