Arlene M. Sandager

Arlene M. Sandager, 89, a loving mother, grandma, wife and friend passed away on January 13th, 2024, at home surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Oregon, Illinois on August 25, 1934, daughter to George and Elizabeth (Doyle) Sigler. She went on to marry the love of her life, Harry Sandager in Messiah Lutheran Church in Rockford on July 11, 1953; they shared 62 years of marriage before his passing in October of 2015. Throughout her life, Arlene enjoyed enhancing her skills as a horticulturist and had a particular green thumb for potted plants. She enjoyed rooting for the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs during their games. Her greatest pleasure though, came from her family. She loved having family over, especially during the holidays, and teaching the younger generations of her family the older generations traditions. She will forever be missed and remembered upon whenever her friends and family see any red cardinals that she loved so much.

She is survived by her children, Brian (Susan) Sandager, Shelby (Steve) Butler, Kevin (Lisa) Sandager, and Kerry (Lisa) Sandager; her grandchildren Angela (Dan) James, Jennifer (Rick Millard) Sandager, Shawn (Marie) Butler, Joshua (Jasmine) Butler, Amanda (Bill) Rouse, David Sandager, Amy (Luke) Enser, Stephanie (David) Brown, Claudia (Conrad) Dotzler, Alexandra Sandager; 25 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Harry, her parents and brother Gary.

A visitation will take place on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service, 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Road, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Burial to follow in Winnebago Cemetery. A very special thank you to OSF Hospice for all the care and compassion that they showed to Arlene and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Childrens’ Research Hospital, an organization dear to Arlene’s heart. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com