Sandra S. Ducharme (Schultz)

Sandra “Sandy” Schultz Ducharme, age 73 of Little Canada, MN, passed away unexpectedly on May 22, 2025, while traveling with friends in Austria—living life to the fullest, just as she always had.

Sandy was born on April 20, 1952, to Harold and Daisy Schultz and raised on a dairy and livestock farm near Long Prairie, MN. She graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1970 and later earned her degree in Broadcasting after attending Brown Institute and the University of Minnesota.

On September 17, 1983, she married the love of her life, Tom Ducharme. With that union, she warmly welcomed his four children Renee, Rita, Michael, and James and embraced family life with joy and purpose. On April 2, 1986, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Neil—an experience Sandy treasured deeply and spoke of with lasting pride.

Sandy’s early career included roles at a TV station in Miles City, Montana, a radio station in Redwood Falls, MN, and with Mobil Chemical Company. But her heart always belonged to youth leadership and agriculture. As a lifelong 4-H-er from Todd County, she poured her energy and passion into developing future generations.

She dedicated more than two decades to the Minnesota State Fair 4-H program—beginning as dorm staff and a judge, and eventually serving as the MN State Fair 4-H Exhibits Coordinator starting in 2001. She led 23 State Fairs and a virtual showcase in 2020, and in 2017 was honored as the Minnesota Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals "Friend of 4-H". Sandy was a vital voice on the campaign committee to reimagine and renovate the 4-H Building at the State Fairgrounds—just one of many examples of her enduring leadership and impact.

Sandy was also a proud and active member of Lambda Delta Phi Sorority from her college years through the present. She served as Active Chapter Advisor and Property Manager, guiding and mentoring countless young women. More recently, she also supported Delta Theta Sigma fraternity, extending her care and wisdom to young men within the university community.

Sandy’s legacy is defined by her boundless generosity, fierce loyalty, and vibrant spirit—but perhaps nothing brought her more joy in her final year than becoming a grandmother. Her 15-month-old grandson was the light of her life. She dropped everything at a moment’s notice—making five-hour drives and countless sacrifices—to be present during his first year, sharing her love, laughter, and stories with him. Her devotion to him was a beautiful reflection of her character: deeply selfless, joyful, and full of love.

Sandy’s life was rich with service, community, and connection. She touched the lives of many across the state and beyond, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Sandy is survived by son, Neil (Vanessa); and grandson, Harvey Ducharme; sister, Cindy (Patrick) Petersen; brother, Duane Schultz; brother-in-law, Tom Rohr; nieces, Megan Rohr, Ashley Rohr (Boomer Thiel and new great-niece, Whitley), and Katie (Darin) Geray; stepchildren, Renee Ducharme, Michael Ducharme, and James (Suzanne) Ducharme; son-in-law, Rich Willox, along with grandchildren, Jayne, Sheila, Jake, Alyssa, Jacque, Blake, and several great-grandchildren. 

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ducharme; parents, Harold and Daisy Schultz; sister, Gelene Rohr; and stepdaughter, Rita (Ducharme) Willox; as well as aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Visitation 4-8 PM Thursday, June 19 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home-Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St. @ County Rd B. Graveside service 9:00 AM Friday June 20 at St. John The Evangelist of Little Canada Cemetery, 450 E. Little Canada Rd., Little Canada (one block east of the church). Memorial service 11:00 AM Friday, June 20 at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave., Roseville with visitation from 10-11 AM.

For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her honor have been organized for 4-H and Lambda Delta Phi:

4-H Building Project: z.umn.edu/sandy4H

Lambda Delta Phi House:

PayPal: ldphialumni@gmail.com

Venmo: LDPhi-UMN-Alumni

Check to LDPhi: Mail to Olivia Drehmel 1656 White Pine Way Unit H Carver, MN 55315

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