Sandra Q. Erchinger

Sandra (Sandi) Q. Erchinger of Petersburg, IL died peacefully at her Venice, FL home on September 5th at age 61. Born in Milwaukee, WI on St. Valentine's Day in 1955, Sandi captivated the hearts of the people around her with her kindness and generosity. She married Walter Erchinger in Ketchikan, AK in May of 1992 and they began their life together in Petersburg, IL. Family was of central importance to Sandi. She was the daughter of the late Jayne and Frederick Quellmalz. In addition to her husband Walter, Sandi is survived by her children: Joslyn Osten (Jonathon) of Falls Church, VA; Karen Erchinger (Bruce) of Petersburg, IL; Keith Erchinger (Linda) of Minooka, IL; Kristin Erchinger of Santa Fe, NM and Kurt Erchinger (Heidi) of Vernon Hills, IL. Sandi is known as ""Oma"" to her beloved grandsons Elijah and Peter Osten. She is also survived by her sisters: Barbara Coffin of Kutztown, PA; Patricia Quellmalz (Robert) of Galena, IL; Tracy Koziel (Paul) of Wheaton, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Carol Arran and brother Frederick Quellmalz III. Sandi touched the lives of many families in the area during her 23 years of teaching prekindergarten, kindergarten and first grade in the PORTA and Athens/Greenview school districts. Her love of children and commitment to excellence inspired her to pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees in early childhood education from Western Illinois University and Illinois State University respectively. Her commitment to the community is exemplified through her dedication and involvement in a variety of initiatives to enrich Petersburg and its citizens. Sandi's free time was spent mentoring children and their families; planting, weeding and harvesting crops for the Bountiful Basket Garden; and volunteering at Lincolns New Salem State Historic Site. She was an active Kiwanis member and secretary, secretary at the Menard County Tourism Council and was involved with Menard County Trails & Greenways. A celebration of Sandi's life will be held in Petersburg, IL at a future date. In lieu of flowers her family requests donations to the Menard County Food Pantry (220 West Douglas, Petersburg, IL 62675). Farley Funeral Home in Venice is handling the arrangements.