Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Dec 19, 1941 – Mar 1, 2025
Erika Sander passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Erika was born December 19, 1941, in San Francisco, California. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Gertrude (née Hempe) Sander, and brother, Roy Sander, and is survived by many close friends including the family of the recently deceased, Nancy Bonesho.
Erika received her B.A. from California State University-Chico, M.A. from Stanford University, and Ph.D. from the University of California-Berkeley. She began her academic career in 1970 as an assistant professor in the School of Education, Department of Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). She was UWM’s first women’s basketball and field hockey coach, beginning her lifelong commitment to women in sports. Erika served for a decade as Chair of the Department of Human Kinetics (now Kinesiology) and also held roles as Interim Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Personnel, and Interim Director of Human Resources. She played a significant role in faculty governance and mentoring of young faculty members.
In retirement, Erika continued her service through the UWM Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee, UWM Retirees Association, and The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Board of Directors.
Erika was a beloved teacher, coach, golfer, and friend. Her kindness, wisdom, generosity of spirit, and philanthropy leave an everlasting mark on all those who knew her, UWM, and the greater Milwaukee community.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society, Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee, the Erika Sander Memorial Kinesiology Scholarship, or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Erika’s life will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, at Feerick Funeral Home (2025 E. Capitol Dr. Shorewood, WI 53211). Friends and family will gather from 3:00 PM till 4:00 PM, remembrances shared at 4:00 PM with a reception to follow until 6:00 PM.
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She helped teach a rookie basketball official on the court.
PAUL RADTKE
May 07, 2025 | LISBON, WI | Coworker
A bright light left the UWM campus on March 1. Erika’s infectious laugh and reasoned intellect was a campus asset since 1970. Honored to call her a friend and mentor. Will miss her every day,
Bob Bonk (1970-2005)
Bob Bonk
May 04, 2025 | Saukville, WI | Friend
Successful woman I knew in the officiating world, nice lady and person...R.I.P.
Tom Kamoske
April 23, 2025 | Prescott, AZ | Friend
Erika was a jewel of our community. She brought joy, fun, and let's not leave out her wit. The last time we talked she was reminiscing about my boys having fun years ago at one of the summer gatherings she organized. It is a moment we shared, one of many we would not have had without her.
Steve Schmelzling
April 18, 2025 | Glendale, WI | Neighbor
Erika, larger than life. A friend to anyone who ever wanted to be. Erika, an advocate for women, women athletes, faculty governance, animals in need, golf, the Democratic Party, and so much more. Here’s to ya my pal!
Cynthia Hasbrook
April 15, 2025 | Muskego, WI | Friend
I will miss her wit, smarts, and sarcasm.
SHARON MURPHY
April 14, 2025 | Brookfield, WI
I’m pretty sure I knew Erika longer than I’ve known any other person affiliated with UWM. At the September, 1970, new faculty orientation, Erika and I sat side-by-side for the entire afternoon. We introduced ourselves, and before, after, and between sessions carried on an active conversation. (Was there any other kind with Erika?). After those few hours together I felt I had a pretty good idea what she was about. I fully expected that she would be a force for good on our new campus. I...
Ken Watters
March 31, 2025 | Tucson, AZ | Friend
I have known Erika almost my whole life. She has been a part of our family spending Sunday cookouts, Holidays and every important event with our family. We were able to get our first dog Boozer because her dog Brandy had 10 puppies. She was our “go to” on all job applications. I would always help her with ideas for Christmas and she would drop off the best homemade chocolates chip cookies ever.
She will be missed by our family.
Mary Lindemann
March 25, 2025 | Wauwatosa, WI | Family
Erika was always supportive of just causes, was never afraid to lead from the front, and was a positive example to us all
Mick Day
March 20, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI | Coworker
