April
28,
1948
28,
1948
January
21,
2024
21,
2024
Sandra Terese Riskedal 1948-2024
A lifelong member of Leland, LaSalle County, Illinois, passed away on January 21, 2024, after a multiyear battle with kidney cancer.
Sandra was born on April 28, 1948, to Leslie and Doris (Sibree) Sawyer and grew up on her families centennial farm with her brothers Scott (Susan) Sawyer of Vancouver, Washington, and Steve (Judy) Sawyer who reside on the home farm today southwest of Leland. In the early days they raised cattle, sheep, corn, soybeans and alfalfa. We could hardly believe it when she told stories of walking barefoot in cowpies.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, a son who died in infancy, and her daughter-in-law Joyce Riskedal.
She is survived by her husband Stephen K. Riskedal, her son Bradley Alan and grandson Stephen James who all live on their centennial farm south of Leland. Her daughter Robin Renee Bishop (Dave) and three daughters Reagan Elsie, Erica Riley and Zoe Paige reside in Grainger, Indiana. A grandson Darren Alan Riskedal (Kendall) and great grandson Owen Rhett live in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. Sandra absolutely loved spending time in the most recent years with her only great grandchild, Owen.
Sandra rode the same school bus as Steve but it wasn't until the FFA Sweetheart was asked to be given a ride home from the dance that they began to date. She graduated from Leland High School in 1966 and began nurses training at Silvercross Hospital. On January 29, 1967, she married her High School Sweetheart one day later than planned as they waited out the infamous blizzard of 1967, many of Steve and Sandra’s wedding anniversaries were celebrated at home as winter weather seldom cooperated for a date night off the farm. In just days they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
As Sandra began married life as a farm wife, her beautiful gardens became great meals as she canned and froze so many fruits and vegetables. Brad, at four years old, would not want you to ask her about the time he used a handheld tiller to work under all of the plants in the garden.
As their children moved into Jr. High and High school, Sandra took on responsibilities at Family Services and then Safe Passage in DeKalb County. She thoroughly loved the positive effect these agencies could have on people who experienced life challenges.
All throughout life's daily demands and benchmark events Sandra enjoyed nothing more than spending quality time with family and friends. Her hospitality created many wonderful BBQ’s, picnics, and don’t forget her quest to make chocolate chip cookies as well as her close friend, Carol Freebairn. Friends and family extended beyond the backyard swimming pool to the west coast with her brother Scott's family, communities of friends across the USA, beaches in the south and a very recent and memorable trip to Norway with Steve, Darren, Kendall and Stephen.
Sandra grew up in Bethany Lutheran Church, Leland. She learned God’s Word in Sunday School and Confirmation classes. The wedding she visualized in her mind growing up happened at Bethany. Sandra helped many people in the congregation by teaching Sunday school, serving at events, and dedicating several terms as church council leadership. Now her visitation and funeral services will be there too. The family invites you to visit on January 25, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the Funeral will be on January 26, 2024 beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Leland Cemetery, north of Leland. Fellowship and a light meal will be enjoyed at the church following the services. Memorials can be directed toward Bethany Lutheran Church. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W Rt. 34 ~ P.O. Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
A lifelong member of Leland, LaSalle County, Illinois, passed away on January 21, 2024, after a multiyear battle with kidney cancer.
Sandra was born on April 28, 1948, to Leslie and Doris (Sibree) Sawyer and grew up on her families centennial farm with her brothers Scott (Susan) Sawyer of Vancouver, Washington, and Steve (Judy) Sawyer who reside on the home farm today southwest of Leland. In the early days they raised cattle, sheep, corn, soybeans and alfalfa. We could hardly believe it when she told stories of walking barefoot in cowpies.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, a son who died in infancy, and her daughter-in-law Joyce Riskedal.
She is survived by her husband Stephen K. Riskedal, her son Bradley Alan and grandson Stephen James who all live on their centennial farm south of Leland. Her daughter Robin Renee Bishop (Dave) and three daughters Reagan Elsie, Erica Riley and Zoe Paige reside in Grainger, Indiana. A grandson Darren Alan Riskedal (Kendall) and great grandson Owen Rhett live in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin. Sandra absolutely loved spending time in the most recent years with her only great grandchild, Owen.
Sandra rode the same school bus as Steve but it wasn't until the FFA Sweetheart was asked to be given a ride home from the dance that they began to date. She graduated from Leland High School in 1966 and began nurses training at Silvercross Hospital. On January 29, 1967, she married her High School Sweetheart one day later than planned as they waited out the infamous blizzard of 1967, many of Steve and Sandra’s wedding anniversaries were celebrated at home as winter weather seldom cooperated for a date night off the farm. In just days they would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
As Sandra began married life as a farm wife, her beautiful gardens became great meals as she canned and froze so many fruits and vegetables. Brad, at four years old, would not want you to ask her about the time he used a handheld tiller to work under all of the plants in the garden.
As their children moved into Jr. High and High school, Sandra took on responsibilities at Family Services and then Safe Passage in DeKalb County. She thoroughly loved the positive effect these agencies could have on people who experienced life challenges.
All throughout life's daily demands and benchmark events Sandra enjoyed nothing more than spending quality time with family and friends. Her hospitality created many wonderful BBQ’s, picnics, and don’t forget her quest to make chocolate chip cookies as well as her close friend, Carol Freebairn. Friends and family extended beyond the backyard swimming pool to the west coast with her brother Scott's family, communities of friends across the USA, beaches in the south and a very recent and memorable trip to Norway with Steve, Darren, Kendall and Stephen.
Sandra grew up in Bethany Lutheran Church, Leland. She learned God’s Word in Sunday School and Confirmation classes. The wedding she visualized in her mind growing up happened at Bethany. Sandra helped many people in the congregation by teaching Sunday school, serving at events, and dedicating several terms as church council leadership. Now her visitation and funeral services will be there too. The family invites you to visit on January 25, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the Funeral will be on January 26, 2024 beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the Leland Cemetery, north of Leland. Fellowship and a light meal will be enjoyed at the church following the services. Memorials can be directed toward Bethany Lutheran Church. For more information or to sign the online guestbook go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Turner-Eighner Funeral Home
13160 W Rt. 34 ~ P.O. Box 404
Somonauk, IL 60552
815-498-2363
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