Sandra R. Christianson

Sandra Ann Christianson died peacefully on December 27, 2024 at Brightstar Senior Living, Madison, WI. She was born on July 1, 1941, the daughter of Walter and Elsie (Jansky) Rippchen, and raised on the family farm in Little Willow, WI. 

She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1959 and attended UW-Platteville where she met her future husband, Paul. In the spring of 1963, she received her Bachelor of Science with a double major in English and European History and a minor in Library Science. She married Paul shortly thereafter and started teaching at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove, WI that fall. Following the birth of their elder son, Sandy went back to school and earned her Master's of Library Science from UW-Milwaukee.

Following the birth of their younger son, Paul and Sandy moved their family to Madison. There Sandy raised her boys, volunteered at their church, and became a guide at the Madison School District’s School Forest. She went back to teaching as the boys grew older, first as a substitute, then full time as the librarian at Thoreau Elementary. Upon retirement, she continued to volunteer at the school for many years helping children to improve their reading. 

Sandy enjoyed traveling and being outdoors. She and Paul traveled across the US both with their boys towing a pop-up camper, and later by themselves. They built a cottage in Tomahawk, WI, finishing the interior construction themselves. Sandy loved watching the birds that would come to the feeders Paul made.

Sandy cared for and nurtured everything, and everyone around her. She grew food for her family and, as a master gardener, helped tend a community garden that stocked the Second Harvest Food Bank. Her yard was filled with flowers. She loved to bake, and her kitchen was frequently filled with the smell of cookies, and the sounds of her granddaughters helping her. 

Her Christian faith was important to her. Sandy studied and knew the Bible throughout her life and was involved in teaching the same to children. She lived her faith volunteering her skills to help others with reading, gardening, and sewing. Through the Linus Project she sewed flannel blankets for infants in NICUs of Dane Co. hospitals.

 Funeral services will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church, Madison, WI on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. 

She is preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Jill Ann Christianson. 

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Paul Christianson; sons John (Wendy) Christianson and Dan (Neva) Christianson; granddaughters Anna, Megan, and Freya; brother Allen (Pat) Rippchen; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Memorial gifts may be sent to Second Harvest Food Bank or Bethany United Methodist Church

Please share your memories of Sandy here on her Tribute Wall. 

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406