Sandra K. Swanke

Sandra K. Swanke, age 85, of Green Bay, WI died peacefully on July 3, 2022. She was born on June 2, 1937, the oldest of three daughters of Lawrence and Elaine Swanke, Tigerton, WI. She graduated valedictorian from Tigerton High School in 1955 and attended Marquette University, Milwaukee, where she received a degree in Physical Therapy in 1959.
Sandy worked throughout Northeastern Wisconsin as a therapy director. She mentored many therapists and implemented numerous rehab programs in skilled nursing facilities. Later in her professional career she relocated to Nashua, New Hampshire and Federal Way, Washington, where she worked as VP of Rehabilitation for Life Care Centers of America. Sandy was the first female VP in Hillhaven and Life Care Centers of America. There she was responsible for developing and structuring rehab programs. Returning to Oshkosh, WI, she worked as rehab director in Bethel Home. She retired working for Valley-Bay Therapy, a local rehab company developed by her friends Jill and Randy Bricco.
As a proud mother of four children, Sandy especially enjoyed attending school and sports events. She could be heard cheering at the volleyball, football and baseball games her children played. She hosted many "trunk" tail gates at St. Norbert College football field. In her last years she followed the athletic achievements of her grandchildren.
Her faith was important to Sandy. She was a long-time member of St. Agnes Parish in Green Bay. She served as Eucharistic Minister, a member of the parish Worship Committee and the Diocesan Liturgical Committee. Sandy was also a member of St. Joseph Secular Discalsed Carmelite Community which she joined in 2003 and greatly appreciated their prayers.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Judy Sheehan. She is survived by her children John Whitehouse, Mary Gail Whitehouse (Quinn O'Connell), Michael (Koleta) Whitehouse and Lauren Whitehouse; her grandchildren Kailey, Sydney, Jack Whitehouse and Brooklynn Neiland; her sister Gail Swanke and friend Sr. Stephanie Spence, her step-sister Mary (Jim) Schaefer and her brother-in-law, Jerry Sheehan. Sandy is also survived by nieces and nephews: Elaine Laurie, Steve (Lori) Sheehan, Tom Sheehan, Dan (Laura) Sheehan, John Sheehan, Bill (Peggy) Sheehan, Katherine (Vince) Riedl, Jim Sheehan; step-niece and nephew John Schaefer and Meg (John) Ferra and many good friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and nurses' aides at Green Bay Health Services for their care for Sandy for the past three years.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Agnes Parish, Green Bay, 1484 9th St. Green Bay 54304 on Monday, July 11, 2022. Visitation will be from 8:30 am until the Mass begins at 10:00 am. Interment will be in Tigerton Union Cemetery at 3:00 pm.