OBIT Sandra Jean (Cutsforth) Lechtenberg

Sandra Jean (Cutsforth) Lechtenberg, 72, of Stewartville, Minnesota (formerly of Houston, Minnesota, and Fort Atkinson), passed away Aug. 12, 2025 at her home, after a courageous battle with lung cancer diagnosed in February 2023.

Born on May 19, 1953 to James and Margaret (Hruska) Cutsforth, Sandy was a loving daughter, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She grew up in Calmar,, attended school there, graduating from South Winneshiek HS in 1971. She and her husband, Lyle Lechtenberg, were married April 22, 1972 in Calmar—a union of more than 46 years until Lyle’s passing on May 18, 2018. Sandy began her 33‑year career at Pizza Hut in Decorah, and as she advanced to a managerial role it continued in La Crosse, Wisconsin until her retirement in 2018 to care for her  husband.  She adored her children, and her grandchildren—Logan, Bryce, Nicholas, Kaden, Gemma, and Brooklyn—were her everything, the heart of her life. She was also a wonderful mother‑in‑law, welcoming each new family member with warmth and love. Sandy was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville, where she contributed generously to the food ministry and quilting groups. She found joy in spending time with family and friends, playing golf, crafting—whether painting, creating diamond art gifts for family and friends, solving word‑find puzzles, or curling up to watch classic TV shows - Days of Our Lives was a daily ritual, and she watched every episode.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Mayo Clinic Department of Oncology and Mayo Clinic Hospice for their compassionate care.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Michelle “Shelley” (Harry) Wahl of Harmony, MN; her son, Todd (Bettie) Lechtenberg of Stewartville, MN; and her six grandchildren: Logan Whitehill, Bryce Whitehill, Nicholas Lechtenberg, Kaden Wahl, Gemma Wahl, and Brooklyn Lechtenberg. She also leaves behind her siblings, Terry (Bonnie) Cutsforth and Shiela (Dennis) Koepp; her in‑laws Phyllis Cutsforth, Lorraine (Russell) Karnik, Linus (Judy) Lechtenberg, Theresa White, Linda (Dean) Kofoot, Jane (David) Brincks, Joyce (Craig) Numedahl, Leroy Lechtenberg, and Judy Reynolds; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, and great‑nephews.    She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her parents, James and Margaret (Hruska) Cutsforth; her brother, James Cutsforth; and her in‑laws, Edwin and Lucille (Tillman) Lechtenberg, LaVern Lechtenberg and Cathy Lechtenberg.                                                                                                                                                 

A funeral service was set for Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville Saturday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Tim Bowman with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15,  at Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday morning. Following services and a luncheon, Sandy was to be laid to rest at Saint John’s Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, next to her husband Lyle, at 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Sandy are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com