Wendy Sue Sandtveit

1952 - 2023

Wendy Sue Sandtveit, 71, of Lake Ann, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Vibrant Life Senior Living (Kalamazoo) on November 17, 2023 after a long battle with dementia. Her daughters were by her side until her last breath. 

Wendy was born on February 16, 1952 in Southfield, Michigan to Robert & Dorothy (Mints) Pettit.

She graduated from Southfield High School in 1970, and married Bill Sandtveit in 1975. She and Bill were married for 11 years, and had three children together. In 1983, she found herself settling into Lake Ann, Michigan to raise her family.

Wendy spent most of her working career waiting tables at Susie Q in Royal Oak, Schelde’s in Traverse City, Lake Ann Café, and Dilberts Café in Interlochen. She spent several years at Lowe’s in Traverse City in customer service and managing Grumpy’s Market on M-72. She took pride in the work she did and enjoyed getting to meet new people, and catch up with the regulars. But most of all she loved being a mother to her three children, and a grandmother to her 10 grandchildren. You’d often find Wendy sitting on the floor reading a book to a child, pushing a stroller or swing, baking cookies, playing catch, or enjoying an ice cream cone.

In Wendy’s most recent years she was able to spend several months a year in Ft. Myers, FL with her dear friend, Chris Wood. They enjoyed boat rides, college basketball games, concerts, small trips together, but most of all, watching the Detroit Tigers!

As Wendy’s dementia took everyday things away from her, she never lost her ability to smile and laugh. Her optimism never left her and she was able to touch so many hearts without having any words. 

Wendy is survived by her three children; Curt (Annie) Sandtveit of Lansing, Michigan; Paula Sandtveit (Justin Nerg) of Lake Ann, Michigan; and Holly (Kris) Messenger of Kalamazoo, Michigan. She left behind 10 grandchildren- Kaitlyn & Olivia Sandtveit; Teagan, Breckin, Kaiah, Nico & Drake Nerg; and Isa, Amelie & Elena Messenger.  She is also survived by her nephews, Russ, Brian and Brock Tobel. 

Wendy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Dorothy Pettit, her sister, Lynne Tobel and her dog Mikey, who she always carried a picture of. 

Thank you to all those who helped care for Wendy throughout her journey with dementia. A special thank you to Vibrant Life and Centrica Care (Hospice) for the unwavering support and respect you showed to Wendy. 

A celebration of Wendy’s life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 2-5pm at the Maple City Lions Club (100 E. Bellinger Rd. Maple City, MI). 

Memorial contributions may be dedicated to Wendy’s family to help with expenses and if you’d like to send flowers: Paula Sandtveit 8852 Red Pine Drive, Lake Ann, MI 49650.

The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.

www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com