Sandra “Sandy” Joachim, age 66, of Prior Lake, MN, was surrounded by her loving family, as she passed peacefully on Monday, April 26, 2021, at her home.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake and one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church (16400 Duluth Avenue SE) in Prior Lake, with fellowship to follow at 5949 Cardinal Ridge Trl, SE. Masks are required. Guests may also stream the service at the following link: St. Michael’s Youtube . Father Tom Walker will preside. Pallbearers will be Steve, Larry, Troy and Travis Wermerskirchen, Rick Kathan and Don Sturtevant. An interment will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery in Shakopee.
Gracing this world on March 31, 1955, in Shakopee, Sandra Clareen was born to Maximus and Beatrice (Grommesch) Wermerskirchen. The oldest of three children, she grew in Shakopee with brothers, Steve, and Larry. On September 30, 1959, the Wermerskirchen lives changed forever. Max was a volunteer firefighter and was killed in the line of duty. This loss impacted the entire family. The fire department, grandparents and extended family rallied around them, watched over them and supported them throughout the years. Sandy attended grade school at St. Mark Catholic School and completed her education graduating from Guardian Angels Catholic High School in 1973.
Sandy married Paul Joachim on November 11, 1978. They were blessed with three children, Adam, Thomas, and Mallory. Sandy was always busy raising and nurturing her children. Sandy never missed a sporting game or school activity. The Joachim family loved to go camping and fishing. They enjoyed excursions out west, in the Banff Mountains, Michigan and around Minnesota. Sandy and her family also liked taking road trips exploring other regions. In 2000, she and Paul parted ways. Sandy’s children became more of a central focus in her life.
Dedicated to her family, Sandy also worked outside the home. She worked for 15 plus years at Rosemount Engineering. After the passing of her mom and the birth of Mallory, Sandy needed flexibility in a career. She started her own home cleaning service. Over the years, Sandy was more than just a cleaning professional, she became a part of each family. Sandy was fortunate to travel with many of the families, partake in their special occasions, and blessed to have them as close friends.
Enjoying the simple pleasures in life, Sandy loved to shop. Friends called her the ‘Pillow Queen”, for Sandy could never pass up a great pillow find from TJ Maxx and Home Goods. She had a creative knack for interior decorating or putting together clothing ensembles and often was asked for her advice. Sandy was never too busy for an afternoon run to Mainstream Boutique for a quick browse, just in case there was something there calling her name. Sandy appreciated coffee dates with Auntie Clareen and Uncle George Ries. They were like her second parents. Life was enriched when Sandy became a grandma to Cole, Jack, and Charlee. She was a hands-on grandma. Sandy never missed an opportunity to spend the day with them. She loved their breakfast and lunch dates, swimming, grandma hugs, I love you’s to the moon and back, and just hanging out. Sandy was known by many for her amazing caramel rolls and even recently, pushedthrough her illness to make them for family gatherings.
Sandy was loyal, dedicated, and hardworking. She was independent, strong, and full of life. Sandy impacted many lives with her time and talents. She had a deep love for her entire family and for God.
Deeply missed, Sandy will be forever loved by children, Adam (Kristi Schultz) Joachim, Tom (Brittney) Joachim, Mallory (Corbin Derrick) Joachim; grandchildren, Cole Joachim, Jack Joachim, Charlee Joachim; brothers, Steve (Deb) Wermerskirchen, Larry (Darla Kasper) Wermerskirchen; 5 nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Greeting Sandy home in eternal peace are her parents, Max and Bea Wermerskirchen.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly served and cared for the Joachim family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
