Sandra (Clark) Von Ruden, 82, of Cashton, Wis., passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 24, 2024, after a long battle with cancer, in the arms of her cherished husband. Sandy’s devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.
Sandy was born Aug. 9, 1941, in Viroqua, Wis., to LaVern and Mayvis (Gilbertson) Clark.
Sandy met Jack at Danceland outside of Ontario, Wis. When Jack saw Sandy across the room, he asked his cousin to introduce her to him. The rest was history. She married John Von Ruden on Nov. 4, 1961, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton, Wis. Sandy’s relationship with her husband, Jack, was a testament to enduring love. Jack’s devotion to Sandy was profound and his care for her unwavering.
When their children were older, Sandy went to work at Parkview Lanes and Supper Club. Her welcoming smile and great service made her a local icon, creating an atmosphere where everyone felt at home. After the lanes closed, Sandy continued to spread joy as a cashier at Hansen’s IGA.
Family was the center of Sandy’s universe. The arrival of her grandchildren saw her excitement soar beyond the stars. Sandy’s love extended to her siblings, cherishing her “sister time”; whether it was shopping sprees or leisurely lunches, she loved to have fun. Sandy’s big hugs and smooches became her signature for all of her dear family and friends. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she will be missed.
Sandy is survived by her husband and soulmate of 62 years, John “Jack”; her children, Kirt (Julie), Scott, and Jeanne (Jon) Pauley; her grandchildren, Amanda, Ashley (Tim Ziedler), Michelle (Erick) Blasing, Mitchel, and Matthew; her great-grandchildren, Kyra, Emmeline, and Abram; her siblings, Nancy Brey, Gary (Donna) Clark, and Linda King; and her sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Karen Clark. She also is survived by her Von Ruden family, Gene (Jackie), Linda (Claude Nevin), Al (Roxy), Judy Mashak, Tom (Sally), Dan (Connie), and Nancy, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Ronald Clark and Dennis Clark; her parents, Mayvis and LaVerne Clark; her parents-in-law, Raymond and Lila Von Ruden; her brothers-in-law, Earl (Sonny) Brey and Jerry Von Ruden; and a great-grandson, Levi Ziedler.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton, Wis. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Family and friends are invited to the visitation Friday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton, Wis.
In lieu of flowers, family has asked that memorials be given in Sandy’s memory to the Cashton Fire and Rescue.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
