Obituary of Sandra Corlett

Sandra Lee (Grandt) Corlett

On Saturday, March 30^th Sandi joined her father LeRoy J., mother Jeanette (Sander), and nephew LeRoy P. Grandt in heaven. She was born in Elgin, IL on October 25, 1951 with a genuine heart full of love for others and strong determination. On November 17, 1951 she was received as a child of God through baptism at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Northbrook, IL. Sandi became an older sister to siblings Susan (Randy) Mickelson; Steve (Mary) Grandt; Sharon (Dave) Smith. She began school as a first grader at Lentz Elementary School in Mayville, WI. She continued her education through eighth grade in a one room schoolhouse at Zum Kripplein Christi Ev. Lutheran Church in Iron Ridge, WI and was confirmed on May 16, 1965.  She attended high school at Winnebago Lutheran High School Fond Du Lac, WI; Dr. Martin Luther Academy, New Ulm, MN; and graduated from Madison East High School in 1969. She was accepted into the Honors Degree Program of the School of Family Resources and Consumer Sciences at University of Wisconsin – Madison, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree and Wisconsin teaching certification.

After graduation, she taught Home Economics in Menasha Public Schools (1972-73) and returned to Madison to work as junior-wear manager for Jost Department Store in Madison, WI. She accepted a call to teach Home Economics at Lakeside Lutheran High School in 1975. Sandi achieved Synod Ministry Certification from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 1977.  

On April, 8, 1978, she married Alan Corlett at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lake Mills. Together, they made a home in Lake Mills raising their five children: Susan Rachel (Joe Marola) Corlett, Catherine (Patrick Carey) Corlett-Carey, Caroline (Brandon) Wales, Sarah (Ryan Smith), and James Corlett.

Sandi’s love for children extended to those in her in-home daycare, Cherished Child, which expanded to a School Age Program at Prospect Elementary School, Lake Mills, and the opening of a daycare center. Sandi returned to teaching high school English Composition at Lakeside Lutheran (1996-97); Special Education in the Fort Atkinson School District (1997-98); St. Joseph Catholic School in Fort Atkinson (1998-99); Eastside Ev. Lutheran Preschool in Madison (1999-2003); Bethany Ev. Lutheran Preschool Fort Atkinson (2003-05).  In 2001, she earned a Masters of Education in Professional Development from Cardinal Stritch University and returned to teaching Family and Consumer Education part-time at Lakeside Lutheran. While at Lakeside, Sandi used her creative touch designing costumes for drama performances. Her love of fashion and accessories continued as she worked part-time at Kohl’s Department Store in Johnson Creek. Sandi also wrote a biweekly column, Chalk Line, in the Lake Mills Leader, served as an Adjunct Professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College, sold real estate, and volunteered in her community.

Lakeside was a second home to Sandi, and to her whole family. Sandi loved teaching almost as much as she loved her students. Her family thanks the many colleagues that became dear friends and students that became second children to Sandi. Sandra embodied Christ’s love, which was evident through the many connections she had with students and colleagues over the years.

Sandi is also survived by her beloved aunt Joyce Runge, cousins, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren Grace, Charlotte, and Timothy Wales, whom she adored and talked about often.

Sandi will be most remembered for her strong faith and her love for sharing the gospel. Sandi was able to do just that in just about everything she did, but especially through her time singing in the choir at St. Paul’s and her many years teaching. Sandra loved the Beatles, Barbies, reading, home design, and clearance shopping or creating handmade gifts for her loved ones. Those who know her best will miss her delicious baking, her ability to mend just about anything on a sewing machine, and talent to spice up any outfit with an oversized hat, fabulous jewelry, and an apron.

We can’t fathom how your work here is done, but are so grateful for to have been the recipients of your love!. We rejoice that you are have joined the heavenly choir and await our reunion.

Visitation services will be held on Sunday, April 7th from 4 - 6pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, and on Monday, April 8th at Lakeside Lutheran High School from 12- 2pm with a funeral service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, our family would be especially honored by Memorials to these organizations:

Lakeside Lutheran High School Scholarship Fund; St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Lake Mills; and Rainbow Hospice, Johnson Creek

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin is assisting the family.