Sandra "Sandy" Kay Wiemken, 72, of Winslow, IL passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021 in Freeport, IL. She was born October 1, 1948 in Freeport, IL, daughter of Rex and Shirley (Scott) Miller. Sandra was raised in Freeport, IL and attended Freeport High School.

Sandra married Marvin Carl Wiemken on December 4, 1965 and lived happily together on their family farm for 52 years. Sandra was a committed, doting wife and mother to three children and two stepchildren. Sandra held a position for a short time at the Lena Living Center, cleaned homes for older adults, and even had a large paper route delivering the Freeport Journal Standard. While Sandra enjoyed her time working, she mostly lived her life committed to her family as she tended to the household and raised their children. She was a supportive and loving wife of a farmer. She would tend to the house, bring Marv water and tea while he worked on the long, hot days, and prepare the best dinners, some of her children's favorites being tacos, spaetzles, and fried chicken. Back in his childhood, her son even tried sneaking some food before the meal was ready and Sandy tried swatting his hand with a spoon and missed, leaving a chip in the table that is still there to this day! Her children were sure to behave, or else Sandy would have to give them a swat with the fly swatter! Alongside her husband, Sandra spent some of her time in her garden near the farmhouse growing fresh vegetables in which she shared with her family. She encouraged the help of her children and grandchildren in picking the garden with her and eventually canned many of those vegetables – green beans, tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, 14-day pickles, etc. alongside her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Sandra enjoyed activities with her husband, Marv, such as watching and supporting him while he was part of the Rock River Riders motorcycle club in Polo, IL and going to the river for a pontoon-boat ride and fishing, as long as she could have some shade and a cold beer. Sandra was also known as a feisty, loving grandmother to her grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She would love the company of her friends and family visiting her in the morning for a cup of coffee or in the evening for a beer or two. Given her humorous personality, Sandra was often getting playfully teased and tricked by her family which always lead to several laughs and memories amongst everyone involved…she was a good sport, anyhow. Sandra was a vibrant woman with a strong voice and opinion known to make many sassy and humorous comments to friends and family. She left everyone with a smile and a laugh—there was never a dull moment around Sandy. Sandra is survived by her children; daughter Penny (Jan) Bawden of McConnell, IL, son Jeff Wiemken of McConnell, IL, daughter Brenda Goebel and domestic partner (Darin Thompson) of Winslow, IL; two stepdaughters, Anna (Ronnie) Crossley of Polo, IL and Tammy Swider and the late Dennis Swider of Rochester Hills, MI; two brothers, Steven (Lisa) Miller of Baileyville, IL and Raymond (Julie) Miller of Freeport, IL; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Wiemken; parents, Rex and Shirley Miller; brother, Mike Miller; stepson-in-law, Dennis Swider; father and mother-in-law, Carl and Clara Wiemken.

A visitation will be held on Friday May 7, 2021 from 3 PM - 7 PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd. Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport. A funeral service will be held on Saturday May 8, 2021 at 11 AM, also at Schwarz Park Blvd. Chapel, with Pastor Roger Bronkema officiating. A luncheon will be held following the service at "101 Billiards", located at 101 Elm St. in Lena, IL.