Joel Karnick
Sandra (Taft) Kennedy, age 68, went to her Heavenly home on February 29, 2024, surrounded by her family after a very brief illness. She was a beloved mother, wife, sister, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. If the love she had for her family could have cured her, Sandy would still be with us. Sandy was born on January 26, 1956, to Erwin and Lorraine (Kundinger) Taft, in Park Falls WI, where she grew up and met her husband, Bob. After moving to Washington while Bob was in the Army, they moved back to Park Falls and there spent the rest of their life together. She worked at Northwoods Community Credit Union for many years and continued to volunteer at events after her retirement in 2021. Sandy and Bob were able to enjoy almost three years together in retirement. Sandy loved to crochet, knit, and sew. Her faith was so important to her, and she lived it not only by attending Mass, but also by serving as a volunteer at her church, in her neighborhood, and in her community. Sandy was very proud to be asked to assist members of the PF Police Department when asked to sew patches onto uniforms. The officers received their shirts back with the needed patches and ironed as well. Sandy’s deep faith prepared her for her transition to be with God; her faith commitment assures her family that she is safely Home. Sandy was the most selfless person and even while she was sick was only thinking of others. There is no doubt in our minds she chose leap day to depart so we would only grieve every four years. She loved camping and all holidays, but Christmas was her favorite. She made EVERY holiday special, decorating the house and sending e-cards to everyone on her email list. She loved the Packers, and all football, and would do family pools – just for fun.Most of all, she cherished her grandkids, her nieces and nephews that she considered her grandkids, and all the furry family members that her kids brought home to visit. She cherished every minute she got to spend with family and didn’t take any of that time for granted.
She is survived by her husband Robert of Park Falls, her (3)children: Shane Kennedy of Boise, ID, Jason (Julia) Kennedy of Marathon, and Stacy (Kevin) Arntsen of Park Falls, (5)grandchildren: Trevor (Kayla), Bryn, & Caleb, and Weston & Camden, her great-grandson Tate, (9)siblings: Kathleen Wiegel of Chico, CA, Susan (Harry) Geller of Pendleton, OR, Karen Taft of Park Falls, Jeffrey Taft of Park Falls, Julie (Daryl Clark) Hawkins of Minocqua, Joseph Taft of Park Falls, Kevin (Pamela) Taft of Indiana, Cynthia (Mark) Koller of Park Falls, Kelly Taft of Green Bay, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls on Saturday March 9, 2024, at 11:00am. Fr. Shaji Pazhukkathara will officiate.
A visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 10:00am until the hour of the service.
Private interment will be held at Nola Cemetery in Park Falls.
Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.
