Rockwell, Sandra K.

Sandra K. Rockwell, 57, of Decorah, formerly of Cascade and Maquoketa, passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 29, 2012, at home.Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah. Further visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a wake service will be held at 5 p.m.Funeral Services for Sandra will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, with the Rev. Aloysius J. Vorwald officiating. Assisting Deacon will be Steven Strang. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade.

Sandra was born Jan. 5, 1955, at John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, Iowa, daughter of Lester and Winona (Strang) Schlemme. She received her education at St. Martin's School and graduated from Aquin High School in Cascade in 1973. Sandra graduated from Mount Mercy College with a degree in Medical Technology in 1979. On June 20, 1981, she was united in marriage to Jay Kevin Rockwell at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Cascade, Iowa.

Sandra was employed at Jackson County Public Hospital, Maquoketa, Iowa, as director of Diagnostic Services for 29½ years. Upon moving to Decorah, she was an administrative assistant for the Luther College Music Department until December 2011.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin; two sons, Trevor C. of Decorah, and Erik A. (Jillian) of Garnavillo; three brothers, Brian (Janne) Schlemme of Cascade, Kevin (Tammy) Schlemme of Bettendorf, and Scott (Mary Jayne) Schlemme of Cascade; mother-in-law, Jean Ellen Rockwell of Bellevue; two sisters-in-law, Colleen Walker and Kendra Elkins; nieces and nephews; and aunts and uncles.

Further surviving are expected twin grandchildren in April, and her special grand-puppy, Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lester on February 18, 1972; her mother, Winona on March 31, 2009; her father-in-law, “Rocky” Rockwell on Jan. 19, 1995; and her grandparents.

Sandra fought “that stupid stuff” as she called her cancer for 15½ years. She endured whatever was given to her with grace and no complaining, with the support and encouragement of her co-workers and family. Sandra loved music; her job in the music department was not a job but enjoyment. Most of all, Sandra loved her family with unconditional love, her sons and their accomplishments.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 31, 2012.