SPARTA - Sandra “Sandy” S. Fanning, 72, of Sparta, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.
She was born on May 9, 1954, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Walter and Rita (Soller) Swinghamer. Sandy grew up in the La Crosse area and graduated from Aquinas High School. She went on to attend Viterbo College, where she earned her degree in nursing.
Sandy loved nursing. She began her career at St. Francis Hospital, and later went on to Gundersen Hospital. While she loved bed side nursing, she found there was a great need for her skills in the telephone nurse advisory field. She finished her career in this capacity.
On July 22, 1989, Sandy married Daniel P. Fanning. They made their home in Sparta and shared many happy years together. They enjoyed traveling to Civil War battlefields, fishing in the Birchwood area, and attending artistic and cultural events.
Sandy had a lifelong love of music and reading. She found great joy in cantoring and singing with St. Patrick’s Choir.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Daniel; her step children, Veteran (Daniel) Dummer, Trisha Fanning-Blanton, Isadora Fanning, Vernessa Fanning, and John Paul Fanning; her brother, Jim (Kim) Swinghamer; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Rita and her step son, Daniel C. Fanning.
The family would like to thank Dr. Parsons and the Oncology staff at Gundersen. They would also like to express their appreciation for Marie and the Palliative Care Department. We are eternally grateful for the wonderful care given by the Hospice Team and the caregivers at the Morrow Home.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Monday, August 10, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Monday at the church. 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
