Sandra “Sandee” Lee Johnston, age 78 of River Falls, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love on Monday, July 7, 2025. Sandee courageously and gracefully battled cancer until she was welcomed into Heaven no longer suffering from her illness.
Sandee was born on March 25, 1947 in Saint Paul, Minn. to James and Betty Appleton. She graduated from Hudson High School in 1965. Sandee was loved by her classmates which was evident when she was voted Homecoming Queen. She enjoyed school and loved her time as a cheerleader. She was also second runner up to Miss Hudson and voted Miss Congeniality by her peers. Sandee met her soulmate Bill in high school in 1964. They were married on April 20,1968 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage, friendship, adventure, love and devotion until her passing. A true once in a lifetime love that created the beautiful family Sandee was so proud of.
Sandee was a stay-at-home mom and later found joy in her career at the River Falls School District. She worked in the Activities Office and was the Meyer Middle School secretary until she retired in 2014. She was also the assistant girls golf coach and later the head girls golf coach, a role she truly cherished. Sandee thrived on the energy of the children at school and was always willing to help students and staff with whatever was needed.
Sandee had an absolute passion for golf. She was a member at the River Falls Golf Club for many years and later Kilkarney Hills Golf Club. She was a repeat Women’s Club Champion at River Falls Golf Club and had a hole in one four times over the years. Sandee loved to be up at the course just as the sun was rising to play with her friends. She didn’t like riding in a cart, but instead would walk all 18 holes no matter the weather. That was usually just the beginning of a day in her busy life. Sandee was also an avid Packers fan. She could be found yelling at the TV or doing her touchdown dance. She lived life to the fullest.
Sandee’s greatest joy and accomplishment in her life was her children and grandchildren. She was an incredible mother and grandmother always showing kindness, love, patience, humor and joy to her family. She was an absolute light in the family and loved celebrating the big moments and everything in between. She found joy in the simplest of things and made everything more meaningful because of it. Attending her children and grandchildren’s events was the highlight of her life and her smile while watching them radiated from across the room. She had a special way of bringing happiness and joy to everyone around her. Her family will hold close the unwavering love she gave and the strength she showed in every season of life.
Sandee will forever be in the hearts of her husband, Bill Johnston; children, Bill (Tamara) Johnston, Lisa (Steve) Balaam, Erin (Frank) Fenton; grandchildren, Victoria (Lucas) Johnston, Will (Mandi) Johnston, Avery Singel, Mason Singel and four great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her siblings, Penny Olson, Michael (Debby) Appleton, Linda (Jerry) Johnson, Debra Hansen, Dennis Appleton, Connie (George) Thorson, Steve Appleton, Dana (Mike) Blue, Lori Vorwald, Doreen (Jim) Berger, Scott (Becky) Appleton, 14 nieces and nine nephews.
A celebration of life will be held from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join us in honoring her incredible life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her name to Coco’s Heart Rescue. She loved all animals big and small and found value in all living things.
