Sandra L. "Sandi" Benzel

Sandra L. “Sandi” Benzel, 76, of Oconomowoc, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital.

Sandi was born on January 28, 1950, in Watertown, the daughter of Donald and Loraine (Riedeman) Schmutzler. On December 17, 1972, Sandi was united in marriage with Robert Benzel at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Watertown.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in education, she went on to become an elementary school art teacher who spent her life making the world more beautiful. Sandi was devoted to her family. She shared 53 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Bob, and was a loving mother and proud grandmother. Sandi was a steady source of love, encouragement, and wisdom for her daughters, helping to guide them through every stage of life. She took great pride in the women they became and found immense joy in watching her grandchildren grow, celebrating their accomplishments and sharing in the everyday moments that made family life so special. Time spent with her family was cherished, and many memories were created through Sandi’s welcoming nature and her desire to bring comfort and care to everyone around her. She was always ready for a long conversation and shared her infectious smile at every opportunity. Whether through the flowers she lovingly tended, the warm and cozy home she created, the long walks she enjoyed, or the students she taught, Sandi had a gift for helping things flourish. She found joy in creating comfort, beauty, and connection, and those who knew and loved her were better for it.

Sandi is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob”; daughters Stacy (Justin) Brown and Bridget (Ryan) Engel; grandchildren Fiona Brown and Dylan Brown; and siblings Dean Schmutzler and Holly (Scott) Villwock. Sandi is also survived by a number of other relatives and many friends.

Sandi was preceded in death by her parents and dear sister-in-law, Mary Schmutzler.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of Oconomowoc with Rev. Philip Bigelow presiding. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Sandi will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery of Watertown.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a park memorial that Bridget and Stacy will set up at a later date would be appreciated.