Sandra Jean Gerlitz-Schulz went Home to her Heavenly Father and her earthly father on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
She was born November 10, 1949 in Fargo, North Dakota, the third child to devoted parents Waldo and Shirley (Olson) Gerlitz. Her mother was so happy to get her little girl. Sandy was raised in a home full of God’s Love, many laughs and four rambunctious brothers. There, she discovered early on her love of the creative arts and learned drawing, painting and sewing – all skills she carried through life always. Another trait learned there was her love for all things feline, beginning with her cat, Squirt.
She was married to Roger Schulz at age 19 and her son, David was born in 1969. The family first stayed in Fargo but soon moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Sandy worked at the University in their publishing house. After the birth of their daughter, Jackie in 1978, the family moved to Blue Springs, Missouri in 1980. She was divorced in 1987 and would spend the rest of her life in Kansas City with a varied career. She worked as a book keeper for Superior Asphalt and later a mechanic, as a seamstress making formal wear and Shriners’ hats, in admissions at the Kansas City Art Institute, and later as a clerk in the IRS filing taxes. Never quiet, she filled her home with her art, love of films and old music – raising her kids with these traits and with a deep adoration of the cats and dogs in their lives.
Later in life, when her health led her to stop working, she became involved in her community’s quilting guilds and sewing groups, therefore building her own community of friends. Her quilts and projects were treasured for fundraisers and friends’ family gifts, but her friendships were precious as well. Her long-time close friends had loved her as family, and she even held on to her Fargo friends from her youth.
Sandra never let go of her home on Plum Tree Road either. Her thoughts, prayers and calls were often directed to her parents and brothers. Extended family too, even cousins and sisters-in-law were kept close. Her heart and spirit were always up North across that day-long drive and those mid-west prairies. So, after years of suffering with cardiac disease and diabetes, she was brought home to her family after cremation so they could gather to be with her and her children.
Sandy was preceded in glory by her father, Waldo and her nephew, Eric, along with many uncles, aunts, and cousins. She is beloved and survived by her son, David Schulz of Blue Springs, MO and her daughter, Jackie Schulz of Juneau, AK; her mother, Shirley Gerlitz of Fargo, ND and brothers Wayne (Shelley) Gerlitz of Deer River, MN, Bruce (Anita) Gerlitz and Don Gerlitz of Fargo, ND, and Jim (Julie) Gerlitz of Inver Grove Heights, MN; aunt Muriel (Myron) Johnsrud of Sun City West, AZ, uncle Lauren Olson of Eden Prairie, MN; cousin Gail Gerlitz of Lawrenceville, GA and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and -nephews.
*There will be Celebrations for Sandy in the Kansas City area and in Fargo for all to join and remember her in the Summer. For further information please contact the family.
I loved that woman fiercely and she will be greatly missed by me! No mattte what our mood at the beginning of the conversations … we ended up feeling inspired and grateful for that time! We always ended our conversations with a simple, I love you!
Sandy had many talents and passions in life. She will be missed
I knew Sandy well in high school in Fargo. She was funny and creative even then. My sympathies and condolences to family and friends.
I have many great growing-up memories of this energetic, lovely lady. So sad to learn of her passing.
Sandy was a beautiful sweet person, I remember walking her home from school several times when we were in High school. She was a friend, I last saw her at one of our class reunions. I have though of her of her often, she always made me smile, she was special.
Sandy was a classmate of mine. I remember her beautiful smile and fun personality. Prayers to her family and friends.
For anyone interested who may not have heard, we are finally able to hold her Memorial Service on this Monday, December 27th, 2021 at 7pm. It will be in Fargo, ND at Cornerstone Baptist Church – #1130 on 11th Street South. All are welcome – please bring memories and stories to share, wear colors (she did not want a bunch of black mourning attire at her funeral), and feel free to bring any artwork she made for you if you can. Refreshments will be served after, with more stories, music, and beauty in full bloom. Masks will be appreciated.
*Hopefully a video will be recorded and linked for those unable to attend.
**There will still be some other gathering in the future in the Kansas City area, in warmer times!