Sandra G. Renzelmann

Sandra Goodell Renzelmann, 78, of Kohler, Wisconsin, passed away in the comfort of her home surrounded by family on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.

Born August 2, 1945, in Sheboygan to Winfield and Doris (Mahnke) Goodell, Sandra was the middle of three sisters who grew into lifelong friends. Music was the cornerstone of their home. She played piano and flute and was often accompanied by her father, a gifted musician who established Goodell Music.

In her youth, Sandy competed and earned numerous medals as a flautist, and, in later years, would proudly show them to anyone who asked or maybe didn’t. Holidays and birthdays included singing and musical instruments of every variety. Although talented and ambitious, sharing the microphone was not her forte.

Sandra attended Southside Junior High and graduated from South High School in Sheboygan in 1963. She was a cheerleader and drum majorette. Later in life, it was not uncommon for Sandy to perform a cheer or twirl an invisible baton. This certainly never embarrassed her children. They did, however, admire her limitless energy, verve, and wit. Sandy worked as a teller at Security First Bank and then continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

On January 7, 1967, she married Thomas Testwuide, Sr. They had two children, Liesl and Tom, Jr. The four enjoyed golfing at Pine Hills Country Club, ski trips with friends and relatives, riding bikes on Hilton Head Island, and summers at Elkhart Lake.

In the 1980’s, Sandra entered the business world and became a sales rep for the Carlisle Clothing Collection. While successful, she still may have been her best client.

Until her MS advanced, Sandy devoted her time to the Sheboygan Civic Orchestra, Sheboygan Community Concerts, Sheboygan Service Club, the Sheboygan County Historical Society, the Y.M.C.A., and Girl Scouts of Manitou Council. She sang in her church choir and formed the youth guitar group at St. Clement’s.

A lifelong learner, she hung a world map in every kitchen, enjoyed reading biographies of historical figures, and supported her grandchildren’s educational journeys inside and outside the classroom. She opened her home to international students from Indonesia, Germany, and Finland which inspired her children to see the world.

Sandra shared her love of the arts with her children and grandchildren through piano lessons and trips to the theater. Her family became a somewhat-cultured bunch thanks to her efforts.

Sandy married Patrick Renzelmann on June 4, 2005. They enjoyed fierce games of gin rummy, their annual cut-throat croquet tournament, and holidays with their newly blended family at their home on Lake Michigan.

In later years, the game of bridge was Sandra’s passion. She played in multiple long-running bridge groups and cherished the friendships that grew from hours of banter around the tables. In her final year of life, she and her long-time partner, Barbara Gruber, won the Pine Hills Bridge Marathon Championship one last time.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Patrick, and two children, Liesl Testwuide and Thomas (Sherri) Testwuide, Jr., both of Sheboygan, and seven grandchildren: Augie, Hugo, and Eli Rice and Thomas, Chase, Lucy, and Owen Testwuide. In addition to Patrick’s two sons, John (Alyssa) and Charles Renzelmann, she is survived by two dear sisters: Judith (David) Simenz and Nancy (John) LaBouve, both of Sheboygan, in addition to many beloved “rellies,” including cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and out-laws. Sandra’s parents and Patrick’s daughter, Michelle, preceded her in death.

The family is grateful for Sandy’s compassionate caregivers over the years, especially Denise Justinger, Sue Pittner, and Dana Foelske. They became a part of the family.

A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at her childhood church, Wesley United Methodist in Sheboygan, where her father often played organ and she accompanied him on flute.

In lieu of flowers, please make gifts in Sandra’s memory to the Sheboygan Symphony or the Sheboygan County Historical Society.