Obituary for Sandra M. (Schmidt) Besl

Sandra lived with a deep and enduring Catholic faith, guided by her love for God and her unwavering trust in Christ. Sandra was born on December 26, 1935, in La Crosse Wisconsin to Erwin and Laurayne Schmidt. She was a 1953 graduate of Aquinas High School. On June 10, 1959 she was united in marriage to Thomas G. Besl at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Tom and Sandy moved from La Crosse to Melrose, Wisconsin in 1960 to own and operate the Melrose Chronicle, a weekly newspaper which they ran for 42 years.

Sandra found joy in her grandchildren and great grandchildren whose laughter and milestones made her smile. She enjoyed Christmas time when she delighted in shopping and choosing gifts with thought and excitement. She loved her time in Florida during the winter months with her twin sister, Sharon Honeck, and brother-in-law, John Honeck, appreciating the warmth and change of pace. At home, Sandy took pride in caring for her lawn and flower gardens, finding comfort in simple moments of beauty and routine.

Surviving relatives include children: Kim (Mark) Johnson of West Salem, Wisconsin and their children, Ben (Jamie Nordstrom) of La Crosse and Abbey of Phoenix, Arizona; Kelly (John) Becker of Holmen, WI and their children, Sam of Holmen, Claudia (Tyler Hyde) and their children Colton and Myles of Clarksville, Tennessee, Drew (Halie Schettl) of Holmen; Kerry and her daughter, Nina of Madison, Wisconsin; Kristen (Mark) Jacoboski and their children, Lilie and Alex of Madison; and Thom (Laura Hintzen) and his son, Jude of Richfield, Minnesota.

Sandra is survived by her siblings, Sharon (Schmidt) Honeck of La Crosse, Chuck (Sandra) Schmidt of La Crosse, and Larry (Janet) Schmidt of St. Louis, MO; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Besl) Skiles, Mary (Besl) Begeman, Shirley (Riniker) Besl, and Sue (Swancutt) Schmidt all of La Crosse.

Sandra is pre-deceased by her parents, Erwin and Laurayne Schmidt; parents-in-law, Sylvester and Viola Besl; and sister-in-law, Suzanne (Besl) Kline; brothers, William and Michael Schmidt; brothers-in-law, John Honeck, Jim Besl, Jack Begeman, and Chester Skiles.

The family wishes to express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse and to Emplified Hospice Care for the compassionate care, comfort, and kindness they provided to Sandra during her final days.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes are managing funeral arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish, located at 210 W. Hamlin Street in West Salem, Wisconsin. Msgr. Jeffrey D. Burrill will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the Mass, January 8th, at the church. Burial will be held at a later date in the Melrose Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Sandra’s family lovingly entrusts her spirit to God’s care and prays that she has found peace and comfort in her heavenly home.

Online condolences may be offerd at this site.