Sandra L. Christopherson (Bartel)
PORTAGE ‒ Sandra L. Christopherson (Bartel) of Portage, WI passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by her children and her beloved cats Callie & Bella.
She was born on October 17, 1944, in New London, WI to Marvin & Bernice (Bonnie) Bartel. She attended school in Oshkosh, WI before relocating with her family to Portage, WI in 1957 where she met the love of her life, John W. Christopherson. They were married on September 22, 1961, in Portage, WI and they enjoyed 59 years of wedded bliss before he passed away on December 29, 2020.
Sandy loved casinos, traveling, bowling, playing cards, throwing horseshoes, throwing darts, camping and swimming in her pool along with her Bacardi Limon & Tomato Juice. Many a bartender raised an eyebrow when this was requested. She loved traveling to Laughlin, NV, with John as well as casino bus trips to various spots in WI. She loved parties and when she was younger, she had a special friend, Georgia Bortz (Kluge), who would make a matching dress and suit jacket for her and John to wear for special occasions.
Throughout her life she wore many hats, having worked in a shoe factory, waitressing, home child daycare and lastly working for many, many years at Dawn’s Foods in Portage from which she retired.
She is survived by her son Jeffrey Christopherson and her daughter Lori (Brian) Taylor, her granddaughters: Kirie (Dustin) Friedrichs and Jennifer (Christopher) Bortz, her great-grandchildren: Catalina Christopherson, Freya Friedrichs, Cyrus Friedrichs and Emmett Bortz. She is further survived by her siblings: Terry Bartel, Linda (Terry) Thurler, Mike (Dawn) Kelley, Dennis (Sheila) Kelley, Brian (Kathy) Kelley, Gary (Pam) Kelley, In-laws: Chuck (Rita) Christopherson, Cindy (Scott) Harvey, Blanche Eaton, Bob Johnson, Wanda (Tom) Cossack, Betty McIntyre, Louise Brown, many other relatives and special friends.
She was preceded in death by her infant son, John Jr.; husband John W. Christopherson, parents: Marvin Bartel and Laverne and Bernice Kelley, in-laws: Art Christopherson Sr., Verena Christopherson, Art Christopherson Jr., Frank Christopherson, Victoria Picha, Doris Oliver, Viola Curtis and Dolores Patroelj.
Per Sandy’s wishes, inurnment will be private, and a celebration of life will be held on August 22, 2026, at Saddle Ridge Clubhouse – 100 Saddle Ridge, Portage, WI 53901 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Heritage House, Portage and Agrace Hospice Care for their wonderful care and support of Sandy.
Although we will miss her, we know that she is finally at peace and reunited with John.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
