Obituary of Sandra L. Conley

Celebrating the life of Sandra Wierema Conley, who passed peacefully September 9, 2019, age 67. She was born September 11, 1951, in Savanna, Illinois to Frances Paisley Wierema and George R. Wierema.

Services will be Saturday, October 12, 2019, 1:00 at Simply Free Church, 25460 Locust Rd, Lanark, IL. The celebration continues at Charlie’s, at 2:00, 123 W. Market St., Mt. Carroll, IL.

If you were lucky enough to witness Sandy’s smile, you wouldn’t forget it.  Often recognized for her outer and inner beauty throughout her life she had her unique way of walking through this world. Her style was all her own, from a camouflage hat to her favorite cowboy boots.

Sandy had a passion for photography, both creatively and professionally.  She enjoyed documenting everything that brought her joy. One of her  favorite models was her beloved bulldog Baxter, who passed away on March 28, 2019. He would begrudgingly pose in various outfits, such as the Easter Bunny and a chicken. Her sense of humor could be seen in photos of Charlie, a full-size skeleton, doing real-life activities like making coffee, vacuuming, and helping put up holiday decorations.

Sandy loved cheeseburgers as rare as possible, chips and dip, green olives, chunks of cheese, and garden-grown tomatoes sliced and salted. She enjoyed cooking for people, shopping to find a bargain, playing Words with Friends, sitting next to a nice fire, watching ghost hunter before bed, meeting new people, and traveling. Recent events include purchasing a place in Florida with her husband Larry Kistenmacher, learning to watercolor, and planning trips to Los Angeles and New York City with her best friend Valerie Fritz. Topping the list for Sandy was the birth of her first grandson, Watson K. Wagner, May 30, 2019, to daughter Lacey Wagner and Brock Wagner. She cherished every moment spent with baby Watson.

Sandy loved being a mother and grandma and always reminded her children how proud she was of them.

Sandy wanted her life to be celebrated. Think of her when you try a new recipe, laugh at yourself or with a friend, face a fear, follow a whim, or surprise someone with a random gift. Mostly, think of her when you eat a good cheeseburger! Her loving heart and memory will continue through all of those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include: her husband Larry Kistenmacher, stepson Ryan Kistenmacher, stepdaughter Lindsey Miller; son Isaac Smith from her first marriage to Jeremy Smith, granddaughter Vivian Koester; daughter Lacey Wagner from second marriage to Konrad Sack, son-in-law Brock Wagner, grandson Watson Wagner; brother Doug Wierema, brother Jeff Wierema; niece Darci Wierema Sutter and her family.

Preceded in death by her parents, her third husband Joseph Conley, and her brother Dave Wierema.

In place of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or Make a Wish Foundation.