CANDACE (CANDY) E. GOMEZ

June 30, 1946 — September 9, 2022

Posted

SPARTA - Candace (Candy) E. Gomez, 76, of Sparta, passed away Friday, September 9, 2022 at Bridge Path Morrow Home. She was born June 30, 1946 in Elgin, IL to Lowell and Virginia Haemker.

   Candy grew up in Palatine, IL graduating from Palatine High School in 1964. After high school, Candy attended Luther College in Decorah, IA graduating in 1968 with a degree in education. She married John Gomez of Sparta on May 29, 1968, celebrating 54 years of marriage this past summer.

   Candy began her teaching career at Tomah High School in 1968 teaching English and Spanish. During the summer of 1973, Candy and her family led a Spanish class trip to Mexico City that was fondly remembered through the years. One personal highlight was being named “Teacher of the Year” at Tomah High School in 1977. Candy left teaching in June 1977 to work for the family business, Midway Service in Sparta. She also worked as a translator at FT McCoy during the summer of 1980 with the Cuban refugees. In the fall of 1987, Candy began teaching Spanish for the Sparta Area School District until her retirement in 2005. In her retirement years she continued to hear from students and always loved running into former students. Teaching was a true passion and joy for Candy, getting to know students was her favorite part.

   Candy truly enjoyed her family and spending time with friends. She also had a love for gardening, with multiple flower gardens and beautifully planted pots creating a gorgeous surrounding for chats with loved ones and wildlife watching. Candy was always up for an adventure and enjoyed traveling throughout the country, adding to her pottery collection with pieces from her travels. Family was most important to Candy. She treasured time with her grandchildren throughout the years, passing along her optimistic attitude and perseverance.

   Candy is survived by her husband, John; son, Brent (Kristen) Gomez; grandchildren, Lauren, Garrison Gomez; her brother, James (Sue) Haemker.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Virginia Haemker; in-laws, Thomas and Violet Gomez; and her twin sons, Matthew and Mark Gomez.

   Candy’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bridge Path Morrow Home for their loving care these past few years. In addition to the staff at Bridge Path, many family and friends sent letters and stopped by for visits, those were always Candy’s favorite days and she loved to stay in touch.

   A Celebration of Candy’s Life will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Club Oasis, Sparta. Memorials may be given to Hospice Touch-Tomah, 601 Straw Street, Tomah, WI 54660.

   Private family burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Sparta, with Reverend James Scaife officiating. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

   Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation