Sandra Pagel

Sandra Lee Pagel (Sandy) age 57, of La Crosse, WI passed away due to complications of ALS (Lou Gerhigs Disease) on January 22, 2026. Sandy was born in Madison, WI to Sally and Norman Pagel.

Sandy grew up in Waunakee, WI, graduating from Waunakee High School in 1986. She recalls playing in youth softball and other sports but found her talents leaned best towards music. She also enjoyed working as a stage hand/lighting crew member for plays/musicals and photography for yearbook.

Sandy attended UW Whitewater where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 1992. She was a member of the Professional Music Fraternity, Delta Omicron, holding the office of Vice President during the fall of ‘91, spring ‘92. She proceeded to teach music in the Waunakee and Sauk Prairie area until moving to La Crosse in 1995.

Sandy made La Crosse her home finding work at Outers, a division of Blount. She was sponsored as a Shooting representative for the Blount group; Outers, Weaver, Ramline, CCI, Speer & RCBS. She continued working at Outers until ‘09. She then started working at a local printing company DuraTech Industries in Inventory Management. She enjoyed the challenge the job offered. She was forced onto disability in April 2023 due to her progression of the disease ALS.

In 2009, Sandy and Kris bought a house and a dog. Sandy enjoyed watching Kris’s softball games, the evolution of her glass and wood working projects, going fishing in the canoe, camping at rifle matches, riding motorcycles, and working around the house.

Sandy was an avid High Power Rifle Competitor. She started as a Junior at Winnequah Gun Club in 1982 using a M1 Garand. In the early 90’s, as a woman in the minority, she became a pioneer in shooting a .223 caliber in High Power Rifle Competition. She received many WI State and US National titles, winning not just the women’s division, but the all-around division which included the Men, Marine & Army Team shooters, etc. She later competed for and earned a spot on the US Long Range Palma Rifle Team. In 2003, the US Team competed at the Bisley Rifle Range in England and placed second overall in the team event.

Sandy volunteered with the La Crosse County 4H Shooting Sports program from 1996 to 2006. She was a member of the La Crosse Rifle Club from 1995 to present and volunteered as the High Power Rifle Match Director. She ran the matches at La Crosse Rifle Club from 2000 to 2024. She also volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors as the Club Secretary, published monthly and quarterly newsletters updating and encouraging members to participate, advertised for deer hunter sight in, plus a whole lot more.

In 2016 Sandy began pursuing photography which turned into a passion. She enjoyed driving her car, “Little Red” around the La Crosse Coulee Region to take photographs, especially in the spring and fall. Enjoying the fog on an early fall morning at Goose Island or at Grandad Bluff looking over the city as it became alive, were special moments.

After Sandy was diagnosed with ALS in October 2022, one of her most rewarding accomplishments was putting together a team “Sandy’s Red Hot Chili Steppers” for the Walk to Defeat ALS that was held in La Crosse. Sandy’s Red Hot Chili Steppers was the top fundraiser team both in 2024 and 2025! In addition to raising money for ALS, she helped raise awareness of ALS by doing interviews and giving the keynote

speech at the first ever Walk to Defeat ALS in La Crosse. The money raised will help fund research, grants, equipment, support groups, and programs for those living with ALS.

Sandy is survived by her partner, Kristine M. Clough (Kris), the naughty little Kricket Kitty, and her brother Jeff (Emily) Pagel. She was proceeded in death by her dogs Remington and Sierra and her steadfast companion Kimber Kitty.

In keeping with Sandy’s loving and generous spirit, she chose to donate organs so that others may live.

Mingle, Snacks & Lunch 1:00 p.m. and Celebration of Life 2:00 p.m., will be held at All Star Lanes in La Crosse, WI on a Friday in March. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to your favorite charity.