Sandra J. Hans, 86 of Helenville, passed away gently, surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.

Sandra was born on July 30, 1938, in Jefferson, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Myrtle (Hamann) Higgins. Following several family moves, from East Chicago, Indiana and later to Milwaukee, Wisconsin the family settled there and Sandra attended West Division High School (now the Milwaukee High School of the Arts). Sandra later attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Pharmacy. Her professional life as a pharmacist saw her fulfill several roles in Southeastern Wisconsin area Pharmacies. However, she spent her most rewarding and enjoyable years as Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Innovative Pharmacy in Madison, WI, a business serving long-term nursing care facilities throughout Wisconsin, where she worked with zeal alongside family members and close friends.

Sandra married Ralph M. Hans on October 3, 1970, in Jefferson, WI. The couple settled on a farm in Helenville, raised 2 sons and enjoyed 33 years of marriage until Ralph’s passing in October, 2003. Sandra enjoyed crafting, shopping, thrifting, music, puzzling, spending time with family in northern Wisconsin and going to new restaurants. As a dedicated parishioner of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Jefferson, she taught catechism classes for many years and spent time as a volunteer at St. Coletta’s. Sandra was a talented cook and enjoyed trying out new recipes for her family. Sandra spent most of her time in retirement with her three granddaughters who began their lives after her husband Ralph’s passing. Sandra was a dedicated grandmother to the girls. She was loved deeply and will be missed.

She is survived by: her sons Benjamin J. (Dawn M.) Hans of Nashville, Tennessee and Joseph D. (Lisa L.) Hans of Helenville, Wisconsin; granddaughters Mackenzie, Cadence, and Madelyn; and her sister Diane (Higgins) Schlapper of Madison, Wisconsin. Sandra is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and other family members.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Rainbow Hospice for their professionalism, grace and kindness during Sandra’s final days.

A private family graveside will take place in May 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson, Wisconsin.