Joel Karnick
Sandra Lee Fields,age 75, of Butternut, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully at her home on Monday January 13, 2025. She was born on May 13, 1949, in Evanston, IL, the daughter of John and Beth (Watson) Childs. She graduated from Niles North Township High School in Skokie, IL. Sandy worked in accounting at Joseph Shoes and then at First National Bank in downtown Skokie. While working, she met John Fields, the love of her life, when they both enrolled in a night school typing class. They went for coffee after class and fell in love. They were engaged after three months and married on November 16, 1968. The couple made their home in Mt. Prospect, Il, where Sandy worked for the Mt. Prospect Park District. The couple retired to Butternut in 2000, and Sandy worked part time for Northwoods Community Credit Union while taking care of her grandchildren. She loved boating, watching the loons, baking, and her iced coffee. She enjoyed her lake view, morning tea, and fun gossip over QVC. Most of all, though, she loved taking cruises with her family. She was most proud of her family and loved just being together to laugh, carry on over a good meal, and, of course, a glass of wine.
She is survived by her daughters: Jennifer (Troy) Akey of McHenry, IL, Kelly (Ben) Minnema of Park Falls, and Sarah (Paul) Rose of Weston, her grandchildren: Ashley & Alyson, Hunter, Hailey Beth, & Dawson, and Brandon & Delilah, her brother John (Jill) Childs of Butternut, her sister Susan Hartler of Butternut, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her sister Sharon Childs, her brother-in-law Al Hartler, and an unborn angel grandson.
A visitation will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Deacon Chet Ball officiating.
Burial will follow at Nola Cemetery in Park Falls. Luncheon to follow at American Legion Post 182 Park Falls.
Birch Street Funeral Service is assisting the family.
