Obituary of Sandra Lee Wolfenbarger
Sandra Lee Van Blunk was born on August 13, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of eight children born from the union of William Bishop Van Blunk and Mary (Barnett) Van Blunk. She attended South Philadelphia High School, graduating with the Class of 1961.
Sandra’s path crossed with a US Navy Sailor commissioned in Philadelphia at the Camden Shipyards, Jackie Darrell “Jack” Wolfenbarger. They soon fell in love and were joined in marriage on May 5, 1962 in Philadelphia. The couple moved to Michigan making their home in Dundee in 1964. Sandra worked 8 years for Uniloy in Dundee and spent most of her adult years caring for the needs of her family as a homemaker.
Sandra was known to be quite a homebody, but really enjoyed dining out with family & friends. Some of her hobbies and pastimes were making crafts, attending craft shows, garage sales, arranging flower bouquets, baking, playing bunko, baby sitting her grandchildren and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She was also a very caring and loving grandmother who will always be remembered for her delicious Christmas Cookies and Peanut Butter Bars!
For twenty-eight years, the couple owned a home in Mesick, Michigan making it their main residence for fourteen years. They liked to play games of chance, often visiting the casinos, Turtle Creek, and Little River, in Manistee and Petoskey. In 2018, they moved back down state to Monroe County to be closer to family.
Sandra Lee Wolfenbarger, age 79 of Temperance passed away peacefully at 4:20 am on Saturday; April 29, 2023 at Hickory Ridge of Temperance. She had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents and all seven siblings.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of nearly sixty-one years: Jackie "Jack" Darrell Wolfenbarger; three children: Dawn (James) Williams of Temperance, Jackie Jr. Wolfenbarger (Marcy Combs) of Temperance, and Cary Wolfenbarger of Chelsea; seven grandchildren: Aaron (Courtney) Williams, Ashley (Tyler) Shea, C.J. (Molly) Wolfenbarger, Jackson (Lauren) Wolfenbarger, Christopher Wolfenbarger, Dominic Wolfenbarger, and Julia Wolfenbarger; and six great grandchildren: Trent, Landon, Alexander, Declan, Rhett and Jolie.
No public services are planned. A private entombment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan with Pastor Nate Elarton of Compelled Church presiding. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to ProMedica Monroe Hospice & St. Jude’s. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com