Obituary
Sandra Joan (Greeno) Hellwig
Sandra Joan (Greeno) Hellwig, 76, of Bangor, WI passed away unexpectedly but surrounded by her family on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at Gundersen Hospital. She was born on August 15, 1949, to Lewis and Alverna (Huber) Greeno in Sparta, WI. Sandy was the second of 8 children and the oldest daughter. She graduated from Tomah High School in 1967. She attended St. Francis School of Nursing and graduated as a registered nurse in May of 1970. On August 15, 1970, Sandy married Russell Hellwig. They shared 45 years together, raised 2 children, and welcomed 3 grandchildren. Sandy worked as a cardiac rehab nurse on 6 West at Gundersen Lutheran for 45 years before retiring in 2015. She had a passion and gift for caring for others at work and at home in her free time.
After she retired, Sandy enjoyed volunteering at the St. Clare Health Mission and at Bridges United Methodist Church, where she was a parishioner.
Sandy was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She had a calm, gentle demeanor and a deep love for others that radiated from her. She was selfless, kind, generous, and giving. She was always present when she was with you and had a way of making you feel special. She loved giving thoughtful gifts and cards, and cooking and baking for every get together. She was famous for her mixed nut bars, German potato salad, and corn casserole. She never missed a birthday or an important event in her loved ones’ lives. She treasured time and celebrations with those she loved. She enjoyed thrifting, trips to the Dells with her best friends, and spending time with her family playing cards, including a Christmas Canasta game she invented and planned for all throughout the year.
Sandy and Russ travelled to their happy place, Maui, to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. For the next 20 winters, they would return to Maui to spend several weeks together embarking on daily whale watch cruises with the Pacific Whale Foundation. Sandy always brought home special Hawaiian gifts for her family.
Sandy is survived by her son, Dean (Katherine) Hellwig; daughter, Kathy Hellwig; grandchildren, Carter, Olivia, and Sophia Hellwig; siblings, Lewis Greeno, Ellen (Norm) Rood, Karen Cronick, Kevin (Deb) Greeno, Sheila (John) Barrett, and Kerwin (Kim) Greeno; brothers-in-law Glen (Wendy) Hellwig and Aaron Pientok; sister-in-law Shirley Fedie; and many other relatives and friends.
Sandy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Russ; her parents, Lewis and Alverna (Huber) Greeno; her in-laws, Herman and Ellen (Morrison) Hellwig; brother, Larry Greeno; brother-in-law, Jeff Cronick; sister-in-law, Ruth Pientok; and nephews, Paul Fedie and Ben Hellwig.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8th, at 12:00pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Visitation will be held from 10:30am until the time of services. Luncheon to follow service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandy’s memory to the St. Clare Health Mission, 916 Ferry St., La Crosse, WI 54601 or the Pacific Whale Foundation, 300 Maʻalaea Road, Suite 211, Wailuku, HI 96793.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sandy was a most caring and generous person – a true angel amongst us! She will forever be fondly remembered by our family.
Sending hugs, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest sympathies. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. I saw Sandy last when my grandma was in her unit in 2013. She was such a wonderful lady and a phenomenal nurse. “Go Rest High On that Mountain, Your Work On Earth Is Done.”