Sandra Jean Walsh

Sandra J. Walsh, 75 of West Salem WI went to live with her Heavenly Father in her eternal home on February 22, 2025. Sandy was born on January 22,1950 to Catherine (Moan) and James Erickson in La Crosse, WI. Sandy was baptized and confirmed at the Halfway Creek Lutheran Church. Sandy attended Holmen area elementary schools and graduated from Holmen High School in 1968. Sandy wed Charles Peterson in 1968. They later divorced. Sandy later wed David Walsh.

Sandy worked various jobs until earning an associate degree from Western Technical. After earning her associate degree, Sandy embarked on her career with the United States Postal Service. Along the way, while continuing to work for the Postal Service, she earned her undergraduate degree from Viterbo University and was valedictorian of her graduating class. She served the Postal Service in various duties including Postmaster in Sparta, WI and Tomah, WI, where she retired, ending her career of over 30 years with the Postal Service.

Sandy enjoyed music, playing piano, and singing. She and her husband Dave enjoyed 19 years playing together in a country western band which they formed, the FMS Ltd. band. Sandy and Dave enjoyed trips out west and fishing/boating on local waters. Sandy had a deep love and devotion for her family. She was proud of her son, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Family gatherings were a treasure to her. In her retirement years she spent a lot of time with her grandchildren, volunteering at their Christian grade school, volunteering at Good Steward in La Crosse, WI and singing in the church choir.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Edward Erickson. Sandy is survived by her husband of 33 years, David Walsh - a son, Donald (Zana) Peterson of West Salem - three grandchildren, Brooke (Benjamin) Bakken, Lance (Katelyn) Peterson, and Alec Peterson - three great grandchildren, Silas, Elias, and Micah Bakken as well as one great grandchild on the way. Sandy was overjoyed about her next great grandchild. Sandy is also survived by four brothers and two sisters, James (Gloria) Erickson Jr., Richard Erickson, Allen (Judy) Erickson, Marlene Branson, Michael Erickson and Clarissa Erickson, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral home of Onalaska on Sunday March 2nd, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 pm. Funeral services will be on Monday March 3rd, 2025 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bangor, WI at 11:00 am. with a pre-service visitation at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be held at Onalaska American Legion Post 336 after the funeral service.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-Bangor or Luther High School.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kyla Lee and her medical team at Gundersen, as well as Serenity House – Tomah Health hospice for their compassionate and excellent care of Sandy.