June 2023
Sandra “Sandee” Dunker Oberg, 66, of Marengo died unexpectedly on June 3, 2023, at Northwestern Hospital in Huntley.
Sandee was born on January 21, 1957, the daughter of Robert W. and Norenne E. (Pinnow) Dunker. Sandee was a graduate of Marengo High School’s class of 1975. She graduated from Concordia College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science degree in 1986 in Theology and Education. In 2008, she returned to Concordia to obtain her Master of Science in School Leadership.
In 1986, Sandee began working at Zion Lutheran School where she worked as the Education Director and teacher for the remainder of her career. Teaching was Sandee’s gift, and she embraced it. Each morning, she would open the door and make every child feel safe, loved, and accepted. She built beautiful relationships with students and staff over the years and cherished every moment.
Sandee never missed a chance to immerse herself in her hobbies, which included quilting, fishing, reading, and baking. She was a devout and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church and was involved with Ladies’ Aid, planning committees, and numerous boards. Sandee’s love of children, devotion to family, contagious smile, and infinite generosity will be forever missed by those who had the fortunate chance to meet her.
Sandee’s favorite job, however, was that of “mom”. On October 20, 1998, God granted Sandee a precious gift: the official adoption of her sweet baby girl, Marisa. In Sandee’s own words, this began “the most wonderful journey of my life”. Marisa was Sandee’s world. She was always there for her daughter and taught her to be a strong Christian woman with a caring heart much like her own.
On March 20, 2021, Sandee married her best friend and companion, Ted, in Hawaii. Together they embarked on a wonderful life full of love and adventure.
Survivors include her husband, Ted; daughter, Marisa (Kyle Waarich) Dunker; brothers, Mike (Sharon) Dunker and Scott (Jacquie) Dunker; sister, Tammie (Michael) Driver; stepchildren, Scott (Megan) Oberg, Sarah (Barry) McDonald and Lisa (Drew) Keefe; grandchildren, Max, Finn, Sophia, Evan, Ellie, Austin and Otto; numerous nieces and nephews and special friends including Mary Hildebrandt and Allan Jones.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 412 Jackson Street, Marengo, IL 60152. The visitation continues Monday, June 19, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service and luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Sandee’s name to: Zion Tuition Fund, 408 Jackson Street, Marengo, IL 60152.