Sandra Marie Gaustad

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our Mom, Grandma, GGma, Sandra Marie Gaustad (née Peterson), age 80, of Woodville, Wisconsin. Mom passed away on May 15, 2026, in New Richmond, Wisconsin, just shy of her 81st birthday.

Sandra was born on May 30, 1945, to Vernon and Esther (née Dull) Peterson. One of six children, she grew up on the farm along Highway 12 between Hammond and Roberts and graduated from St. Croix Central High School in Hammond, Wisconsin, with the Class of 1963.

Sandy married Thomas “Tom” Gaustad, on January 15, 1965, in South Dakota. Together they raised two children, Tammy and Timothy “Tim”, and made their home in the Village of Woodville.

Sandy worked at West Publishing in St. Paul, Minnesota, for more than 40 years in keypunch operations before retiring in 2006. During her time there, she formed many lasting friendships.

She loved celebrating holidays, reading, tending her garden and flowers, taking road trips, and “camping” at Camp Brigadoon. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren, creating countless memories that will be held close forever.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Tammy Meyer Lund (Steve Lund), and son, Tim Gaustad; grandchildren, Rachel Meyer (Josh Pletan) and Lance Meyer (Simone Tutu); great-grandchildren, Peter Vitale, Anthony Pletan, and Luna Meyer; bonus great-grandchildren, Wesley and Briella, Stella and Izzy; her brother, Bill Peterson (Colleen); sisters-in-law, Charlene Snyder, Jan Knipfel; and brother-in-law, Kenny Lashley. Many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom, in 2018; her parents, Vernon and Esther Peterson; former son-in-law, Daniel Meyer; her siblings, Joseph (Charlotte) Peterson, Jim Peterson, Peggy Quist Lashley, and Nancy Peterson; her parents-in-law, Carroll and Myrtle (née Thompson) Gaustad; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Marlys (Bud) DeSmith, Diane (Bernie) Jeskie, Carolyn (Stan “Dip”) Hanson, Madolyn (Laurence) Vier, Rosalie (Barry) Moran, and Phyllis (Roger) Raehsler; and brothers-in-law, Peter Gaustad, Dave Snyder, and George “Bud” Knipfel.

Though our mom has left this world, the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the kindness she showed will remain in our hearts forever. Until we meet again….

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Homes in Baldwin, Wisconsin, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m., with a brief remembrance at 1:15 p.m., followed by interment at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Baldwin.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Baldwin. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-684-3434.