Sandra J. Diersen

Sandra “Sandy” Jean Diersen, age 77 of Neenah, WI passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026. She was born in Bricelyn, MN on April 2, 1949, the daughter of the late Loraine “Bud” and Lucy (Woller) Schandel. On September 4, 1993, Sandy married Mark Diersen in Appleton, WI.

Sandy’s family was her pride and joy. She loved each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren along with their spouses. She wanted her home to be the gathering spot for the family any time during the year but especially during the holidays. A favorite tradition was allowing each child and adult to choose their birthday cake for her to make. Each year, she would say it was the last time, but the next year, she would ask again. Each gift needed to be special and meaningful for the person.

Sandy was extremely proud of the two careers that she had. She worked at multiple Target locations in SE and NE Wisconsin. Many of the stores she either opened or assisted in opening. For many years, she was the District HR Trainer and Resource person. After 32 years, she retired from Target and began volunteering at Riverview Lutheran Church and School. This led to her second career where she was the bookkeeper for Riverview. She lovingly and passionately worked at the church and school for 16 years. Her planned retirement was on May 31, 2026. Over the years, the Riverview members became Sandy and Mark’s second family. Many wonderful friendships have been formed.

Sandy will be deeply missed by her husband, Mark Diersen; her children, Scott Scherer, Michael Scherer, Michele Driver, and Jonathan (Courtney) Heibler; her grandchildren, Kenny (Jenny) Scherer, Branden (Darbi) Driver, Megan Driver, Dylan Scherer, and her bonus granddaughter, Sierra (Zach) Thompson; her great-grandchildren, Victoria, Athena, Kash, Tyler, Kingsley, Triton, Kooper, and Willow; her goddaughter, Jeanine Schandel; her sisters, Donna Pavalon and Janis Schandel; her siblings-in-law, Keith Busch, Ronald Diersen, Amy Mathews, and Ginny (Norm) Neman; her uncle, Eddie Woller; her aunt, Carrie Woller; her special friends, Jane Laedtke, Julie Wing, and Tina Somers; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Scott Scherer II; and her siblings, Cindy Busch and Tom Schandel.

A first visitation will be held the night prior to the service from 4:00 – 7:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Riverview Lutheran Church, 136 W Seymour St, Appleton, WI 54915. A second visitation will be held from 8:30 – 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the church, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM led by Rev. Timothy Wagner, Rev. Ryan Kolander, and Rev. Dennis Belter. Sandy will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Neenah, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Riverview Lutheran Church and School would be appreciated.

Sandy’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah and Rennes Health and Rehab Center for helping make Sandy’s last days more comfortable. Additionally, thanks to the Riverview family for all of your thoughts and prayers, providing support for Sandy, Mark, and the rest of the family during this time. Pastor Wagner, Pastor Kolander, and Pastor Belter, you have been a true blessing to Sandy and to our entire family during these trying times. Your presence, support, prayers, and compassion will forever be appreciated by our grateful family.