Sandra A. Draelos

Sandra A. Draelos went home on March 3, 2025, surrounded by those who love her.
Sandy grew up on the family farm in Manitowoc County with her mother Helen Hill (2013) and her father John Hill (1986). Sandy was the youngest of eight and had one sister Judy and six brothers Jim, Richard (2014), Bill, Bob, Daniel, and Michael.
Sandy was an animal lover. Always bringing home the strays that she would find. In the end she was her daddy's girl, always going to him if she really really wanted something. Her mother, during summer vacation, would wake her up sitting on the side of her bed talking about which vegetable or raspberry patch they were going to be weeding today.
Sandy left the farm after graduating college and struck off for the big city. Her first stop was UW-Milwaukee where she turned a floundering bi-weekly newspaper, The UWM Post, into a money-making enterprise for the school.
Over the next 35 years she was the founder and owner of "The Milwaukee Publishing Company" and started several profitable publications in the Milwaukee area. The Voice Monthly, Healthwise, Boomers, and most recently she reinvented herself again with YourLife News Magazine. Throughout her career "The Letter from the Editor" column which gave a glimpse into what was going on in her life became a reader's favorite.
In 2001 she met her husband Tom, and they married in 2004. Sandy immediately had a battle with breast cancer and, as the fighter she is, came out on top.
Nine years later Tom and Sandy received a blessing when her great niece Amara came to stay. From that point on Sandy's light as a mother came to shine. The two of them building an inseparable bond that will last forever.
Those who knew her and those who didn't got to enjoy a person who was truly happy to interact with them. Her energy was something special. At times not caring if she appeared silly just to elicit a smile from even a stranger.
She was loved by all that knew her and if you didn't love her It was just a matter of time.
She is survived by her husband Tom, who loved her with all that he could muster. Her daughter Amara, of whom she is so proud. In-laws Lynn and Glenn Knutson, niece Dana, her great nephew Riley, and her brothers and sisters as referenced above.
Visitation to be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53072. Trisagion Prayer Service to begin at 7:00 PM. Additional visitation to be held the following day, Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 9400 West Congress Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 11:00 AM. Interment Pinelawn Memorial Park.
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