Laura A Sandy

Laura A. Sandy, age 90, died on July 9, 2014 at Bethel Home in Viroqua, WI Laura Alberta Hatlan Sandy Laura Sandy, age 90, passed away on July 9, 2014 at Bethel Home in Viroqua, WI Laura Alberta Hatlan was born on November 7, 1923 in LaCrosse, WI, the third of ten children born to Arthur and Lena (Grimsled) Hatlan. Laura is survived by three sisters, Grace, Helen and Anna. She was preceded in death by a sister Myrtle, and brothers Jerone, Archie, Joe, Glen and Bernie. Her childhood was spent in Crawford County where she attended Dach Ridge one room school. She was confirmed at the Hauge Lutheran Church. Laura and Thomas Sandy were married on April 16, 1942 and that same day their farm and family partnership began on their beloved 'Sandy Acres' in Retreat, WI. Proud to be a farmers wife, she loved the land, their cows and their way of life. Their three children started their lives there and learned how to work, how to be part of a community, and how to make the church a part of their lives. Laura led a very active life in Retreat. She was involved in her kids' school, 4-H, FFA and Community Club activities. Along with many other community members, she was always involved in the work behind the scenes for the Retreat Worlds Fair. (This could mean anything from mopping the old Club Hall floor to cutting weeds to making barbecue to baking pies to helping set up 4-H exhibits to putting together a float for the parade.) She was pleased to help put together a history booklet of Retreat for the 75th Retreat Fair. Laura, along with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were on a float "Retreat to Sandy Acres" in the 2013 parade commemorating their Retreat roots. Her whole life she loved the church and shared her faith through active participation in Ladies Aid, Luther League and Sunday School at Hauge Church until it closed in 1990. She then became involved in the Retreat United Methodist Church and later the Franklin Lutheran Church near Viroqua. Laura liked to crochet, embroider, bake, serve coffee, play 500 and Boggle. She loved sending as well as receiving greeting cards. She enjoyed researching and compiling a military history of the Hatlan family dating back to the Civil War. Laura was Mother to three, Grandma to six and Great Grandma or GG to eight. She loved special celebrations for the entire family at the Sandy Acres farm in Retreat. In 2003 after selling the beloved Sandy Acres, Laura moved to Viroqua, WI to independent living at Birchwood Heights. With her family still growing, she still found room for everyone in her home there. Laura and Thomas were happily married for 48 years until he passed away in 1990. Laura is survived by her son, Robert Thomas (Liz), her daughters Donna Rae (Terry) Inman and Ann Lea (Jack) Haase; her grandchildren Liza Sandy (Karl Van de Hey), Lori Sandy, Laura (Zack) Pape, Sarah (Rob) Reuille, Jane (Chris) McGinty, and Marc (Jenn) Haase; her precious great-grandchildren Nimya and Almasia Harris, Alayna and Kaitlyn Pape, Makenzie Reuille, and Madeline, Krista and Ian McGinty. Laura enjoyed many happy times with family, extended family and friends. Thanks, Laura, for leaving so many happy loving memories behind for all of us to enjoy. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested for: The Retreat Cemetery, Retreat, WI, Cure Alzheimer's Fund, or a charity of your choice. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014 at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W Decker St. (Hwy 56) in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Pastor Jim Foltz will officiate with burial to follow in the Walnut Mound Cemetery in Retreat, Wisconsin. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. till the time of service. A prayer service will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.