Sandra Fish
Early Saturday, May 31, 2025, Sandra Jean (Shafer) Fish, 85, was reunited with her Lord. There was never a time Sandra didn’t know the overflowing love her family had for her, even as they cared meticulously for her in final days. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 3 at First Baptist Church in Waukon with Pastor Duane Smith officiating, followed by an honorary escort by the Wednesday Night Motorcycle Riders to the burial at Zalmona Cemetery, rural Waukon.
Sandra Jean Fish was born in Waukon to Elmer and Eunice (Kruger) Shafer February 19, 1940. She attended Waukon High School, graduating in 1958. Sandra shared in Elmer’s love for monkeys, and sense of humor and wit. She never missed a thing or an opportunity to test you with her orneriness.
Despite wondering if she was being left at the altar, the love of her life promptly arrived a few minutes late for their July 20, 1958, wedding. On this evening, she married the man of her dreams at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in rural Waukon, Wayne L. Fish, to which they have shared 66-3/4 years of daily happiness and overflowing love.
Sandra fulfilled the role of a farmer’s wife to the exemplary. Together, she and Wayne farmed the land and home of Sandra’s Grandpa Kruger and were recently recognized as a Century Farm. The love the two shared for one another has always been evident, never leaving one to question just how special their bond was.
Sandra worked as a bookkeeper at both Waukon Hospital and Sears and was the Zalmona Church treasurer for many years. Bookkeeping, however, was more of a hobby to Sandy and perhaps she may be more recognized in the community as Mrs. Fish, who made sure you weren’t late for school to turn in your homework! Sandra drove bus for Allamakee Community Schools for 49 years, in which she took great pride.
Sandra attended First Baptist Church and enjoyed many pastimes of fishing, square dancing, ballroom dancing, and card games. She also thoroughly enjoyed the thrill of motorcycle riding and the wild Wednesday Night Motorcycle Riders Club.
Her family took as much pride in her as she did in them. More than words could express, and love could be shown, Sandra was a mother, grandmother, great-grandma, aunt, and friend. She was the mother to Debra (Mark) Palmer of Waukon and Wanda (Dan) Brown of Madrid; grandmother to Lars (Jen) Palmer of Waukon, Shannon (Joe) Knudsen of Madrid, Lane (Eric) Rich of Waukon, Donald (Kayla) Brown of Decorah, and Lindsey (Brian) Palmer of Waukon; and great-grandmother to Breanna and Claire Knudsen, Knightley, Natalie, Catherine, and Michael Rich, Carson and Adalyn Brown, Ella Lund, and Henry and Walter Palmer.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Eunice; and her sister, Jane Miene.
Sandra’s love for her family will forever remain a legacy as one the greatest gifts she ever shared with them. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7
Honorary casketbearers were Shannon Knudsen, Lane Rich, Lindsey Palmer, Kayla Brown, Jen Palmer, Vickie Miene, Karrie Zidlicky, and Sandra’s great-grandchildren. Casketbearers were Lars Palmer, Donald Brown, Joe Knudsen, Eric Rich, Brian Bieber, and Scott Miene.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
