Sara Lynn Mack, 52, formerly of Norwalk, Wis., a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, departed from this world on Aug. 1, 2025, at her home in Saint Paul, Minn., after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born Sept. 29, 1972, to James and Barbara (Bohn) Mack in Sparta, Wis., Sara leaves behind a legacy of love, connection, and joy.
Education was a cornerstone of Sara’s life, a testament to her belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives. She proudly graduated from Brookwood High School, a stepping stone to her future achievements. Sara’s pursuit of higher education led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she later received her Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics from the University of Minnesota. Her groundbreaking doctoral research on the sociophonetics of Puerto Rican Spanish was well-received and widely cited in the scholarly community.
After teaching at a number of institutions in the Twin Cities, Sara was hired as Lecturer and Course Coordinator at the University of Minnesota. In her capacity as a faculty member, she helped to organize the efforts of dozens of instructors teaching several hundred students each year, and her own teaching earned effusive praise from her students. In addition to her instructional and administrative duties, she accomplished many other great things, including working with a dedicated team to develop and implement an innovative and award-winning instrument for student self-assessment. Her workshops on career readiness garnered praise from language educators across the nation, and she served as co-chair of the Women’s Faculty Cabinet as part of her tireless advocacy for inclusiveness, equity, and diversity.
People usually described Sara using words like “spark” and ‘light.” She brightened every room she entered with her brilliant intellect, sharp humor, and tireless passion. She loved cribbage and kayaking and crafts, enjoyed gardening and cooking and sewing and pickleball, and she avidly read poetry and mysteries. She could always be counted on for a snack, or a kind word, or a game of Yahtzee. She brought people together, endlessly hosting potlucks and block parties and softball games. Wherever she lived or worked, she left behind a community more deeply connected and more energized for making change.
She was a staunch feminist who saw no contradiction in cherishing motherhood and family. She was a world traveler with cosmopolitan tastes who saw no contradiction in deeply valuing the people and the land where she grew up. She embraced Jewish traditions and values while seeing no contradiction in supporting the rights of Palestinians. Sara was profoundly and restlessly dissatisfied with anything that was drab or routine, and she was equally passionate in her refusal to accept anything that was cruel or unfair.
To her adored child Aurora, she was a mother who showed unparalleled dedication and joy. To her loving husband, Stephen Kellert, she was a partner in every sense of the word, sharing dreams, challenges, and an unbreakable bond of love. To her mother, Barbara Mack, and her dear departed father, Jim Mack, she was a source of immense pride. Her siblings, Jane, Steve, John, George, Rich, Mary, and Rose, along with their spouses, will forever cherish the memories of their sister who displayed so much courage and compassion. Her nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and co-workers will never forget her generous spirit and welcoming nature.
Sara Lynn Mack’s journey on earth may have come to an end, but her spark continues to inspire us all to live a life full of love and purpose. As we remember Sara, let us honor her memory by standing up for what is right, and by cherishing every moment we have with those we love.
A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Road, Sparta, WI 54656. Family and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding with a short ceremony led by Rabbi Sam Shivani at 12 p.m. Burial at St. John Summit Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Instead of flowers, please make a contribution to your local public broadcaster or Planned Parenthood chapter.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
