Sandra Jean Butz-Siebers age 63, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on March 11, 2019 after battling grade 4 Astrocytoma (brain cancer). Sandra, also known as Sandy, was born March 7, 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Harry Jr. and Bernice (Nee Harrel) Butz. Married on Valentine’s Day 1987 to her best friend James (Jim) Siebers, together they painted a beautiful story of life together.

Sandy was a Milwaukee girl through and through, with her heart never wavering or dreaming of leaving Southeastern Wisconsin. Raised by a Captain of the Milwaukee fire department and a graphic designer her attention to detail was innate. She would often tell stories of living in a meticulous household; meat and potatoes for dinner, long braids pulled so tight her hair would mildew, and following her brother around the house straightening rugs behind him as early as the age of 2.

Sandy attended Custer High School, pursued a Bachelor of Art in Art Education, and Master of Art in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Succeeding her education, she was the Assistant Director of the Museum of Wisconsin Art (West Bend) followed by an esteemed teaching career of 18 years at Hartford Union High School. In her retirement she remained active as an Adjunct Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College and teaching an array of classes at the Schauer Art Center, (Hardford) and Arte Wine and Painting Studio (Wauwatosa).

Her personality was bright as she taught many, poise and laughter. She was kind and courageous as she looked at each day as an opportunity to appreciate life and all its marvelous details – She applied her artistic eye in multiple facets from painting to lettering, gardening and cooking, to her life long career as an art teacher. Sandy was always busy, looking for the next thing to paint or a volunteer opportunity, but never too busy to share her love of life with those who surrounded her. Beauty was found in the little things. She enjoyed the pitter patter of the rain as she sat on her front porch listening to a storm roll in, watching many majestic sunsets over the glistening water at Loon Lake, and the crisp smell of autumn leaves as they fell to the forest floor. Sandy appreciated God’s glory in even the smallest creatures, from admiring the colorful glimmer of a dragonfly’s wings to helping turtles cross the road. She loved watching her dogs chase after tennis balls, enjoyed a good cup, or in most recently years a good pot, of black coffee, and even when confined to home, loved looking out her backyard to see the flight of a bird, the nibble of a squirrel, or turkey and deer making their way closer to the feeders.

Her soul was filled with optimism which guided her children, and many others, to believe anything was possible - She was a true and loyal friend who loved others unconditionally and had such a passion for her family. Sandy married her husband Jim for many reasons, but most importantly knowing he would complement her in their future pursuits and make a great father. She was dedicated to him often going along with his crazy new purchases of homes or cars, all the while willing to sign her name where necessary. Together they traveled to Europe, Mexico, Canada, and most of the United States, as she always sought opportunities to strengthen her wealth of knowledge and inspiration for her next piece of art.

After seeing her children grow up, Sandy was very excited to be a grandmother.  Sandy’s first and only grandchild, Evelyn, made an early appearance at just 35.5 weeks on February 17, 2019 to ensure her final wishes.

We will remember Sandra as a wife, a mother, a sister, a grandmother, an aunt, a friend, an artist, a teacher, a mentor and so much more. We are going to miss her sincerity and kind soul that will stay with us forever – We will continue to look towards the sky for the strokes of colors she paints in the wind.

Sandy is further survived by her two children Benjamin and Rachel; daughter in-law Kate; granddaughter Evelyn; brother Kiernan and Joan; daughter-in-law of Gloria (the late Clifford) Siebers; brother-in-laws John and Tina Siebers and Jeffery and Elizabeth Siebers; sister-in-laws Anne and Bill Schmidt, Carol Schubert, Lora and Paul Reinholz, and Emily Siebers; plus many nieces and nephews, and other extended family members.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 – Noon at David’s Star Ev. Lutheran Church 2740 David’s Star Dr. Jackson, WI. Family will receive friends at the church on Sat. from 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM.

All guests are encouraged to wear color(s), as a celebration of Sandy’s artistic talents and her bright life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to David’s Star Ev. Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Lutheran College Art Department, or the Washington Co. Humane Society appreciated.