Sandi Graber

Rochelle, IL - Sandi Graber passed away in the early hours of Friday, February 6, 2026 - one day short of her 81st birthday. Her family is saddened, yet comforted knowing that her physical pain is over. Sandra Carol Dalton was the only child of Ralph and Gladys Dalton. They were devoted to their daughter, and they were active; a lesson Sandi learned well. Her first few years were spent in Blue River, Wisconsin, though the family would soon move to Brown Deer, a suburb of Milwaukee. From an early age she was active: piano lessons, tap dancing, ballet, baton and more. Gladys led a women's group at church, and church became Sandi's foundation. It was in one of the youth groups at church where Sandi met Lee, her life-long friend. Together, they went on church-sponsored trips and would later double-date in high school. High school brought new activities: clubs, marching band-baton twirling and flags. Sandi would attend Lakeland College and it was there she would meet and fall in love with Sam Graber. They soon married in 1965. Sandi's first son Greg was born in 1966. Then, in 1968, Sam took a teaching position in Rochelle, Illinois. Two more sons were born: Matt in 1969 and Andy in 1973. Sandi would raise her three boys and have several part-time jobs over the years, but still found time for local groups, like community theater. Greg would marry Tina and Andy married Jodi. Andy and Jodi brought Jackson and Jamison into the world - Sandi's two beloved grandsons. With her sons grown and out on their own, Sandi returned to her foundation: the church. She attended Garrett Seminary in Evanston, Illinois and became an ordained minister -- Pastor Sandi. She devoted herself to ministry, wherever that may have been - in communities like Harmon, Chana and Cortland, to name a few. She worked to build the congregations and to serve the people she was assigned to; this was her calling. Sandi chose activity over idleness, interaction over solitude. She could be demanding, but with a purpose to bring out the best in someone. She gave all she had to an endeavor, and her efforts resulted in good. We will miss Sandi. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to either the National Lymphedema Network or the Dementia Society of America. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in Rochelle. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. at the FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH with Pastors Jack Briggs and Xavier Valdivieso officiating. Graveside services at St. Mary's Cemetery in Mineral Point Wisconsin will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 13, 2026. The Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, IL is serving the family.

Sandi Graber

February 7, 1945 - February 6, 2026