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Sandra A. Draelos

October 6, 1963 - March 3, 2025
Visitation
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
9400 West Congress Street
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Wednesday 3/12, 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Tuesday 3/11, 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm

Trisagion Prayer Service to begin at 7:00 PM.

Service
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
9400 West Congress Street
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Wednesday 3/12, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Pinelawn Memorial Park
10700 West Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222

Sandra A. Draelos went home on March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who love her. 

Sandy grew up on the family farm in Manitowoc County with her mother Helen Hill (2013) and her father John Hill (1986). Sandy was the youngest of eight and had one sister Judy and six brothers Jim, Richard (2014), Bill, Bob, Daniel, and Michael.

Sandy was an animal lover. Always bringing home the strays that she would find. In the end she was her daddy’s girl, always going to him if she really really wanted something. Her mother, during summer vacation, would wake her up sitting on the side of her bed talking about which vegetable or raspberry patch they were going to be weeding today.

Sandy left the farm after graduating college and struck off for the big city. Her first stop was UW-Milwaukee where she turned a floundering bi-weekly newspaper, The UWM Post, into a money-making enterprise for the school.

Over the next 35 years she was the founder and owner of “The Milwaukee Publishing Company” and started several profitable publications in the Milwaukee area. The Voice Monthly, Healthwise, Boomers, and most recently she reinvented herself again with YourLife News Magazine. Throughout her career “The Letter from the Editor” column which gave a glimpse into what was going on in her life became a reader’s favorite.

In 2001 she met her husband Tom, and they married in 2004. Sandy immediately had a battle with breast cancer and, as the fighter she is, came out on top.

Nine years later Tom and Sandy received a blessing when her great niece Amara came to stay.  From that point on Sandy’s light as a mother came to shine. The two of them building an inseparable bond that will last forever.

Those who knew her and those who didn’t got to enjoy a person who was truly happy to interact with them. Her energy was something special. At times not caring if she appeared silly just to elicit a smile from even a stranger.

She was loved by all that knew her and if you didn’t love her… It was just a matter of time.

She is survived by her husband Tom, who loved her with all that he could muster. Her daughter Amara, of whom she is so proud. In-laws Lynn and Glenn Knutson, niece Dana, her great nephew Riley, and her brothers and sisters as referenced above.

Visitation to be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53072. Trisagion Prayer Service to begin at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation to be held the following day, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 AM. Interment Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Send Flowers Plant a Tree
Visitation
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
9400 West Congress Street
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Map
Wednesday 3/12, 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Tuesday 3/11, 5:00 pm - 6:45 pm

Trisagion Prayer Service to begin at 7:00 PM.

Service
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
9400 West Congress Street
Milwaukee, WI 53225
Map
Wednesday 3/12, 11:00 am
Cemetery
Pinelawn Memorial Park
10700 West Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Map
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Sandra A. Draelos went home on March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who love her.  Sandy grew up on the family farm in Manitowoc County with her mother Helen Hill (2013) and her father John Hill (1986). Sandy was the youngest of eight and had one sister Judy and six brothers Jim, Richard (2014), Bill,Continue Reading

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Plant a tree in memory of Sandra
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Tree 19 trees were planted in memory of Sandra Draelos
Joe & Melanee Cira left a message on March 11, 2025:
Remember that we love and care about you, Tom! In memory of Sandy one of a kind and the kindest person you could ever meet You will be sorely missed
Ed, Lori and Maya left a message on March 10, 2025:
Our deepest sympathies Tom and Amara. May Sandy rest in peace. With love,
Love, Judy & Bern, Nancy & Chip, Bob & Gia, Gary & Pam left a message on March 9, 2025:
Beautiful, kind, generous, sweet, and loving describe Sandy. May these trees grow for many years in her memory.
Tom and Heidi Omann left a message on March 12, 2025:
Dearest SandyWalking past the karaoke stage will never be the same without you. You are loved beyond measure-our friendship is an eternal treasure.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sandra Draelos . Plant a Tree
Ben & Lisa Guido left a message on March 11, 2025:
May this tree live as long as your wonderful memories of Sandy. God's peace and comfort be with you until you meet again.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sandra Draelos . Plant a Tree
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Janet and Mark Hartzell left a message on March 11, 2025:
Our sincere condolences, Tom. May the trees planted in memory of Sandy be beautiful reminders for decades to come of her sweet, sunny spirit.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sandra Draelos . Plant a Tree
Yusuf and Lina Abu-Hatoum left a message on March 11, 2025:
Our deepest condolences! May your soul rest in peace among the saints sweet Sandy, and your memory be eternal !
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sandra Draelos . Plant a Tree
With Love, Maureen and Asha left a message on March 11, 2025:
Sandy, You brought joy, happiness and laughter to all who met you. You will be deeply missed by everyone, especially by your buckaroos.
White Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Sandra Draelos by With Love, Maureen and Asha. Send Flowers
Anonymous left a message on March 11, 2025:
Tom, So sorry to read about the loss of your beautiful wife. So sad. Heartfelt sympathy to you at this difficult time.
Anonymous left a message on March 11, 2025:
Tom, Amara and Family - We were saddened to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort today and always.
Purple Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Sandra Draelos by Anonymous. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Sandra Draelos
Zoe, Michael, Mark and Matthew Draelos left a message on March 11, 2025:
We mourn the loss of such a beautiful spirit, giving person and loving wife knowing she now resides in a far better place with her Lord, Jesus Christ.
Florist's Choice Bouquet was purchased for the family of Sandra Draelos by Zoe, Michael, Mark and Matthew Draelos. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Sandra Draelos
Frances Smith left a message on March 10, 2025:
Sandy's winning smile, positive attitude, and work ethic made me want to be better. I was lucky enough to have Sandy as a participant in my Step class at the Rite Hite Y in Brown Deer. She always worked so hard, giving it her all, just like she did with everything in her life. I loved talking with Sandy and she never failed to be interesting as well as entertaining. She was a brilliant conversationalist! I will miss her so much. The spot in Studio 7 where she always placed her step will remain hers. A step will be set up with a flower and a back issue of her publication on top. Gone but never ever forgotten.
Terri Klug left a message on March 10, 2025:
Sandy was in our Monday morning step class at the Brown Deer Y. She always had a smile for everyone and was full of energy…her enthusiasm was infectious. She was passionate about her pets and her newspaper career. We will all miss her presence in the class, sadly gone way too soon. May her soul rest in peace…sincere sympathy to all her family🙏
Kurt & Laurie left a message on March 10, 2025:
We are so sorry for your loss. Sandy was a beautiful soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of Sandra Draelos by Kurt & Laurie. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Sandra Draelos
Blacklock Family left a message on March 9, 2025:
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sandra Draelos . Plant a Tree
Brian & Georgia Larsen left a message on March 9, 2025:
Tom and Amara. Our very deepest sympathies on loss of your beautiful wife and Mom. She truly always had a smile on her face. May her memory be eternal
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sandra Draelos . Plant a Tree
Anonymous left a message on March 8, 2025:
Our fun memories together will forever stay in our hearts. May you rest in peace Sandy.
Pink Florist's Choice was purchased for the family of Sandra Draelos by Anonymous. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Sandra Draelos
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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