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 who were her greatest joys. 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 of caring for others at work, at home and 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 very active parishioner.
Sandy was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She had a calm, gentle, humble demeanor and a deep love for others that radiated from her. She was selfless, kind, and generous. 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; goddaughter Stacy Baldwin, and many other beloved nieces, nephews, 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 12:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am until the time of services. A luncheon will follow the 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.”
I worked with Sandy many years ago on 6w. She was a wonderful lady. sorry for your loss
I worked with Sandy many years ago on 6w. She was a wonderful lady. sorry for your loss
Sandy was a caring friend and the kindest person you could ever hope to know. I can see her so clearly in the family’s words about her. We will miss her dearly but confidently know that she is with her heavenly Father with whom I’m sure she is on a first name basis! God bless you, Sandy, and thank you for all your many blessings you have most generously shared. You have been a true servant of Jesus. Our deep condolences to the family. Bill and Jane
I got to know Sandy from Bridges, she also was a customer of where I work. She was such a sweetheart and nice and caring. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Emily, Jensen, Miles and Adam
Sandy was one of the most compassionate individuals I have ever met.
Sandy had a special gift for anticipating the needs of her patients. She was my nurse following heart surgery. When I needed help or meds she was always right there. She also knew when to leave me alone and not hover. She was absolutely the best nurse I have ever had.
So sorry to hear about Sandy’s death. Sending prayers and love. I was a St. Francis School of Nursing classmate of Sandy’s. Due to recent surgery, Iwill be unable to attend Sandy’s service. Janice ((Sebranek) Dreischmeier
So very sorry for your loss. Sandy was a quiet, caring person who never seemed to get upset. I had a nice conversation with her last month at Festival. I’m unable to attend the celebration of life but I am passing on condolences to all her family and friends. I will send a donation to St Clair in memory of Sandy.
I worked with Sandy for 40 years and often spoke to her mornings when she was finishing her night shift on 6 West. She was an expert in her specialty and also one of the most caring, kind, thoughtful nurses I’ve ever known. She mentored so many nurses! She was an innovator who helped us develop 12 hour shift schedules in the 1980s. My sincere condolences. Her presence will be missed.