Sandra Leeann Pruess (Fuiten)
Sandra Leeann Pruess (Fuiten), age 70 of North Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29, 2024, with her family at her side.
Sandra was born on May 12, 1954, in Hartford, Wisconsin to Wilmer and Charlene Fuiten. She grew up surrounded by her loving parents, six siblings, and extended family. As a child, Sandra enjoyed working on the farm with Pops and Monnie and helping her grandma in the kitchen. On May 15, 1981, Sandra married Gary, the love of her life at St. Patrick’s Church in Erin, Wisconsin. Together they raised two boys, Ryan and Kyle, and even had the opportunity to lovingly help raise her beloved granddaughter, Evelyn. It was through her relationship with Evelyn and the other kids she loved that she willingly took on the loving title of “Nanny.”
Throughout her life, Sandra dedicated herself to serving others. Sandra worked as a car hop at the Pines Drive-In in Hartford; served drinks at the Buffalo Bar, where she shot pool; and worked as a CNA, as well as in-home health care for many years, where she offered excellent care to those who needed it the most. Sandra’s final job before retirement was driving the Hartford City Taxi, which gave her the opportunity to make many new friends. This was quite easy for her to do, as one of her greatest gifts was her kind heart and how she shared it with others. Whether you were meeting her for the first time or had known her for years, Sandra never failed to make you feel special. Over the last few years, Sandy’s health declined, but she faced each new challenge with hope, optimism, and bravery. She relied heavily on her Catholic faith to get her through the tough times and helped others to do the same. Sandy was always a familiar and smiling face at Holy Family Masses and events.
Regardless of how she felt, she always made time for family and friends. Sandra had a skill for baking and cooking delicious meals, loved playing Euchre with her family, and enjoyed sending cards for every occasion. In fact, only a few weeks ago she finished her annual task of writing over 500 Christmas cards to Holy Family parishioners—a task she loved.
Over the last three years, Sandy made many new friends at the dialysis center where she went three days a week for four hours per day. She became a mentor to those who were beginning dialysis and spoke words of comfort to those who were struggling with it. Even if she learned of their struggle in passing, Sandra would reach out and brighten their day.
Sandra was preceded in death by her first husband, Lavern Schlee; her parents, Wilmer and Charlene Fuiten; her brother, Wilmer Fuiten Jr.; and other relatives and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Gary; her two boys, Fr. Ryan Pruess and Kyle (Melissa) Pruess of Fond du Lac, WI; her granddaughter, Evelyn and grandson, Matthew; and her siblings, Gale (Mike) Gehl of Hartford WI, Gary Fuiten of Hartford, WI, Dawn Sterr of Reedsburg, WI, Pam (Al) Cain of Hartford, WI, and Vince Fuiten of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, many in-laws and so very many friends.
Sandra’s family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Family Catholic Church, 271 Fourth Street Way in Fond du Lac from 2:00pm until 6:00pm, on Friday January 3, 2025. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the visitation. Following the Mass, there will be a reception in the church hall for all relatives and friends. Sandra will be laid to rest in a private family service the following day at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Erin, Wisconsin.
Memorials directed to the family are appreciated.