Sandra "Sandy" Hartwig, age 86, of Waunakee, Wisconsin, passed away at home on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Born on February 12, 1940, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Mathilda (nee Weber) and Welton Firehammer, Sandy came into the world with a spark that never dimmed. Her 1958 Monona Grove High School yearbook captured her perfectly: "Full of pep from head to toes, she makes fun wherever she goes." Those who knew Sandy would say those words rang just as true on her last day as they did at graduation.

On August 5, 1961, Sandy married the love of her life, Richard Hartwig, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Monona, and the two built a beautiful life together. Sandy wore many professional hats over the years — EEG technician, bank clerk, bookkeeper, school bus driver, Avon lady, and administrative assistant. Her greatest adventures were shared with Richard in the great outdoors. The two were passionate explorers, camping their way across the country, paddling lakes and rivers, hiking trails, and gliding through snowy landscapes on cross-country skis. They also learned the art of stained glass together, designing and crafting beautiful pieces for their home and as cherished gifts for the people they loved.

Sandy's creative spirit was strong. She was an accomplished weaver whose beautiful pieces graced the homes of friends and family, her personal loom eventually finding a fitting second life when it was donated to the University of Wisconsin – Madison textile school. She delighted in crafting beaded jewelry and had a uniquely perfect piece for just about every outfit — because Sandy was always dressed to the nines, favoring bright colors and funky accessories that were entirely, joyfully her own. In her later years, she loved reconnecting with old friends and far-flung cousins, swapping recipes, working puzzles, and — perhaps most of all — retelling a great story from a life well and fully lived.

Faith was a steady anchor throughout Sandy's life. A lifelong Lutheran, she sang in the church choir for many years, served as a deacon, and devoted considerable time as treasurer and secretary for the Madison Area Lutheran Council and their Jail Ministry. She gave generously of her time and talents.

Sandy's greatest joy, though, was her family. She loved nothing more than gathering everyone around a table for a rousing game of Scrabble, Bananagrams or whatever new game her children had found. Those games, and the laughter that filled the room, are memories her children and grandchildren will carry forever.

Sandy is survived by her children Cynthia (Bill) Kennedy, Eric (Margaret) Hartwig, and Elizabeth (Christopher) McMullen; her grandchildren Christopher (Jena) Kennedy, Katie Kennedy (Mike Brown), Katlyn (Adam) Viviano, Cole Kennedy (Prudence Bridges), Hayden and Elise Hartwig; her great-grandchildren Sophia, Scarlett, and Sloane Shepherd, Julia Pelletier, Cash Kennedy, and Gracelyn, Madilyn, and Lillian Viviano; her sister-in-law Phyllis Firehammer; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Richard; their infant daughter Mattie Roberta Hartwig; and her siblings Welton (Marilyn) Firehammer, Lois (Bernard) Matzke, Richard (Shirley) Firehammer, and Robert Firehammer.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Home Again in Waunakee, who allowed Sandy to keep doing what she loved most — cooking, crafting, and sharing herself — right up to the end.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 26 at Peace Lutheran Church, 701 S. Century Ave., Waunakee. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., with services at 11:00 a.m. and a reception to follow.

In the spirit of Sandy herself, the family invites guests to come dressed in bright colors and bold accessories — just the way she would have wanted it.

Memorials may be directed to Lutheran World Relief, an organization close to Sandy's heart.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Service

2929 Peaceful Valley Pkwy

Waunakee, WI