Sandra Gabert

Sandra A. Gabert (Sandi), 73, of Fond du Lac, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 4, 2011, at St. Agnes Hospital and after a brief illness. She was born March 16, 1938, in Richland Center, WI, the daughter of Kenneth and Lois Chitwood Barry. It was in her hometown where she began her long career in pursuit of her love for music. As a teenager she began teaching piano lessons and began playing the organ for church, as well as singing, and playing accordion and piano for weddings and other celebrations. She graduated from Richland Center High School in 1956 and went on to pursue her passion for music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her Bachelors of Education and Masters in Vocal Performance degrees. Sandi began her formal teaching career in the Appleton School District in 1962 and on June 20, 1964, she married Henry E. Gabert. In 1964 she also began to teach elementary music in the North Fond du Lac School District and then moved on to teach choir at the junior high. After five years she took time off from full time teaching to raise her family and worked as a part time vocal and piano instructor at the University of Fond du Lac. In 1975-76 she taught junior high vocal music at Oakfield, and in 1978 she returned to NFDL to teach K-5 music and direct the junior high choir. Supporting her husband Hank throughout his 9 year battle with cancer, he preceded her in death on June 24, 1990. She also cared for her ailing parents who preceded her death. In 2003, Sandi retired from teaching elementary music at Friendship Learning Center in North Fond du Lac but continued to teach piano at the University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac campus. Sandi continued to be active in the Alpha Delta Kappa Educational Sorority, and the Red Hatters, where she was an accompanist for their musical gatherings. In retirement she enjoyed traveling the back roads of Wisconsin and interesting shops and sites with her friend Dale, playing with her grandchildren, and traveling to Texas, Minnesota, and China to be with her family. Surviving are two daughters, Heather Gabert of Manor, TX, and Sabrina (Tony) Wixo of Maple Grove, MN, a son, Chad (Amy) Gabert of Middleton, WI, five grandchildren, Brandon, Ava, and Caden Wixo, and Colin and Gianna Gabert. She is further survived by a sister, Leah (Will) Hanson of Arbor Vitae, WI, her special friend, Dale Kussrow of Oshkosh, his daughter, Katy Kussrow of Ripon, and Maribeth Gabert of Oshkosh, two brothers-in-law, Richard (Sharon) Gabert and Thomas Gabert, both of Oshkosh. Her parents and husband preceded her in death.Mrs. Gabert, the music teacher, was a "Momma" to many who loved teaching and children and cherished her time and memories with all of her students. She always was there to listen, support, offer the right words at the right time and help out in ways above and beyond in any way that she could. Many were the recipients of her love, care and guidance, her winks and smiles, hugs and Starbursts. She was one vibrant "Classy Lady"!



Visitation for Sandra A. Gabert will be on Thursday, December 8, 2011, from 5 to 8 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 9th, at 1:30 PM at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 51 W. Division Street, Fond du Lac with the Rev. Brian Beno officiating. Inurnment of cremated remains will be in the Cathedral Columbarium. A celebration reception in Sandi's honor and memory will follow the funeral from 3 to 5:30 PM at South Hills Country Club, 1175 Fond du Lac Avenue, Fond du Lac. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Sandra's name. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com