"Dear Rich - I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Sandi coming to all our basketball games when you coached at Marquette. Such a beautiful person. May you feel her spirit with you now and forever. God's peace and blessings to you and your family during this difficult time. Rochelle Finzel"
In loving memory of
Sandra Jo "Sandi" Michel
January 5, 1970 - December 20, 2017
Sandra Jo "Sandi" Michel, 47, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday morning, December 20, 2017, at her home.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 1870 Ambrose Street, in Dubuque. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Dubuque, with visitation from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springbrook, Iowa.
Sandra Jo Kollars was born on January 5, 1970 in Norfolk, Nebraska to Dennis Henry and Susan Ann (Viergutz) Kollars. She grew up in Randolph, Nebraska and was a 1988 graduate of Randolph High School. She then attended and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque with a Computer Science degree. It was there that she met her future husband, Richard James Michel. They were married on August 1, 1992 in Randolph, Nebraska. To this union two children were born: Austin Denn and Kristin Jo.
Upon graduation, she first worked for Eagle Point Software for six years. She then worked at John Deere, Dubuque Works for over 18 years as a Manager of Business Process Infrastructure and Product Development.
"Sandi" was a member of the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Dubuque and the Emmaus church group. She loved music and played the piano, French horn and trumpet. Additionally, Sandi enjoyed horseback riding, playing and watching sports, and reading science fiction and fantasy books.
Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Rich Michel of Dubuque, IA; children, Austin Michel of Dubuque, IA, and Kristin Michel of Dubuque, IA; her parents, Dennis and Susan Kollars of Dubuque, IA; a sister Laurie (Jarrad) Walter of Decorah, IA; her mother-in-law, Rose Heiring of Dubuque, IA; her father-in-law, Donald Michel of Bellevue, IA; and 11 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Vernon and Frances Viergutz, paternal grandparents Dennis and Hilaria Kollars, a sister Jeanine Marie, a brother-in-law Daniel Michel, and her father-in-law Ralph Heiring.
The family would like to especially thank the Sheckles Family for their caring, love and support.
The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family and online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sand was a great boss, coworker, and friend. She will be missed. Steve and Lynda Dreibelbis"
"Our prayers to the entire family. Peace and love to all of you. Sandi was a very pleasant human being, I am proud to call her a relative. Linda and Charlie"
"My sincere condolences and sympathy to the Kollars and Michel families. I was shocked to here the news and wish you all the best. Brad Kumm - Wausa, NE"
"Was so sorry to hear about your daughter. It just isn't the order of life to have to say goodbye to any of our children but we rejoice in God's promise of eternal life and knowing that she I celebrating Christmas in heaven with Him. May God grant your strength and peace. Friend in Christ, Glenna Gutz"
"Dear Rich,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are heavy with you and your children. We pray all your loving memories of Sandi bring peace and comfort to you when you need it most. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with each of you. Love, Russ and Barb (Steines) Tigges "
"I worked with Sandi at Eagle Point Software. She was always happy, always smiling, and had the best personality; so kind and easy to talk to. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends. Michele Knief"
"Rich- our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children, you and Sandi were one of the first people we meet when moving to Dubuque with the John Deere group from Woodstock, we will always remember all the help we received from you and Sandi when finding a place to live for the 5 year assignment, Sandi was great to work with and had a passion for everything she was involved in, sending hugs from Canada "
"Leave a memory or words of condolence for family and friends"
"Sending Love & Light at this difficult time to Rich & his kids! Sandy was a great person, enjoyed being around each & every time I had the chance! We will all miss her, but never forget her! Prayers. Love Cousin Nick "