Sandra "Sandy" L. Soda

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Sandra “Sandy” (Smet) Soda, age 84, peacefully entered into eternal life on January 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Sandy was born on May 11, 1940, in Ripon, WI, to Norbert and Mildred (Hansen) Smet. She graduated from Ripon High School in 1958, where she formed lifelong friendships and a foundation of love that would guide her through her years.

On September 6, 1958, Sandy married the love of her life, Ernest “Ernie” Soda, at St. Patrick’s Parish in Ripon. Their 66 years of marriage were a testament to their deep bond, filled with laughter, devotion, and unwavering love.

A woman of many interests, Sandy enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—reading books, solving puzzles, and watching her “stories” on TV. She found peace at the lake and cherished time spent with her family. Sandy had a playful side, too, and loved to gamble at casinos with her friends, or “cheat” in any game with her children, grandchildren, and even her husband. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling with Ernie, always exploring new places with a sense of adventure.

Sandy was deeply involved in her community. She was a devoted member of St. Catherine of Siena Church. Her sense of service extended to leadership roles, including 18 years as President of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary. Sandy was also a proud Lioness in her younger years.

Throughout her life, Sandy held various jobs, including managing the Pinbowl, working at Speed Queen, and later at Kmart. She built a strong work ethic and a reputation for kindness and integrity wherever she went.

Sandy’s greatest joy, however, came from her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Ernie; one son, Steven (Sandra) Soda; three daughters, Sue (Randy) Schatzke, Stacey (Shawn) Oakes, and Cindy (John) Duchatschek; seven grandchildren, Travis (Becky) Duchatschek, Joe (Francesca) Soda, Matt (Mallory) Schatzke, Nicole (Matt) LaCroix, David Soda, Brett (Jamie) Oakes, and Brooke (Simeon) Oakes; and 14 great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Angie Chikowski, Helen Kautzer, Mary (George) Korleski, JoAnn Szweda, Delores (Phil) Hoopman, Sharon (Ken) Pryzbyl, and Karan Soda.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Mildred Smet; her in-laws, Joseph and Maggie Soda; her beloved granddaughter, Kelly Schatzke; and her brothers-in-law, George, Victor, Norbert, Donald, and Raymond, along with sisters-in-law, Gen Feldt and Frances Darnick.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 228 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971. 

A Funeral Mass for Sandy will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Ripon, with Father Chuck Wrobel officiating. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the Mass will be available at www.facebook.com/stcatherineripon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to St. Catherine of Siena Church, 218 E. Blossom St., Ripon, WI 54971, or Ripon VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 5278, 113 E. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, WI 54971. Inurnment will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Town of Ripon, at a later date. 

Sandy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital, especially Angela, for their wonderful care.

Sandy will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but her love, laughter, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.