With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of Amy on September 26, 2026. Surrounded by the love of her family at Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Amy left this world far too soon. Though her loss is deeply felt, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Amy graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois, and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology from Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, Illinois. She also completed additional coursework, including anatomy and physiology, and was only a few credits short of a bachelor’s degree.
Amy began her medical coding career in Mesa, Arizona, where she worked for many years. After returning to Wisconsin with her family, she worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison until multiple health issues left her disabled.
Amy married Chrisopher P. Stertman in Sedona, Arizona, on December 26, 1998. In 1999, her son, Tyler, was born in Arizona. She loved Arizona’s dry heat and natural beauty, which helped her feel better.
In her youth, Amy enjoyed swimming and playing the piano and guitar. She loved all animals, especially dogs, horses, birds, and butterflies. One of her favorite memories from Arizona was taking a hot-air balloon ride with her father and her son, Tyler.
Amy loved visiting national parks with her family, especially Bryce Canyon, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon. She and her mother also enjoyed a couple cruises to the Bahamas. In Wisconsin, she looked forward to family vacations at the cabin near Eagle River. After lightning destroyed the cabin in May of 2021, Amy and her family continued visiting Eagle River and the chain lakes, where they enjoyed pontoon rides, wildlife sightings, and shopping.
In recent years, Amy found joy in writing poetry, earning recognition through several online contests. She was a source of encouragement and understanding to many people facing chronic illnesses and domestic violence, always offering a listening ear and compassionate heart. Her kindness, generosity, and concern for others touched countless lives. Amy was a devoted advocate for animals, a defender of those facing abuse, and a passionate steward of the environment. Her faith in God remained steadfast through her health challenges, growing even stronger with each obstacle she faced. Even in her most difficult moments she thought first of others and their well-being.
Amy is survived by her son, Tyler; her parents, Herb and Linda Mathwig; her brother, Tim (Dawn) Mathwig; her nephews, Dylan (Danielle) (Everett), Austin Gaudet, and Devyn Gaudet; and many aunts and uncles.
Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Ruth Mathwig and Harry and Geniveve Nichols, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who cared for Amy throughout her life. Their compassion, dedication and kindness brought comfort during difficult times and will never be forgotten. The family is especially thankful to the staff at Tomah Hospital and the intensive care team at Gundersen Hospital, Dr. Stark of Mayo Clinic in Tomah and the many caregivers across the country who treated Amy with dignity, patience, and heartfelt care.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, 11:00 AM at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau St., Tomah. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation from 10:00 AM until the service. A luncheon will be held after the service at Murray’s on Main, 801 Superior Ave., Tomah. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
