Sandra Jean Abel, 69, a near life-long Rice Lake resident passed away Friday, October 25, following a yearlong battle with cancer.

Born in 1955 in Davenport, Iowa, Sandra, her mother and three elder siblings settled in Rice Lake in 1957, when her father's work required relocation. She attended Franklin and Brill elementary schools and Rice Lake Middle School and graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1973. She completed a course in marketing at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute, but she was passionately interested in astronomy, archeology, zoology and horticulture, and she was an ardent Anglophile, enamored with all things British. A cat enthusiast, she adopted and cared for many felines throughout her lifetime; the welfare of all God's creatures was of great concern to her, and she contributed to their care and comfort as she was able.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marian and Fred Abel, an elder sister, Sharon Halvorsen and a younger brother, Bradley Abel; she is survived by an elder brother, Gordon Abel, and two sisters, Constance Abel and Lori Norvitch.

A private family service will be held.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements. In lieu of memorial flowers or gifts, contributions to local animal shelters or rescue organizations would be greatly appreciated.

Last Update: Oct 29, 2024 1:30 pm CDT