As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
On November 9, 2026, Sandra Joan Zerbst of Dollar Bay passed away to meet her Heavenly Father after a brief stay at Portage Health in Marquette. Sandy leaves behind a deeply grieving family who will forever miss her warmth, love, and passion for ensuring everyone around her was happy.
Sandy married the love of her life, Raymond, having met in high school and together they celebrated 50 years of marriage last spring. Together, they lived life to the fullest and dedicated themselves completely to their family and dearest friends. Sandy held an enduring love for all of her family, near and far, whether she saw someone every day or years went by between visits; they were loved with all her heart. Her fondest memories centered on bringing joy to others, whether through her passion for cooking and baking, welcoming visitors to the homestead, or ensuring a birthday wish was never forgotten.
Sandy was the devoted mother of two children, Jessica and Joseph, and the proud grandmother of two grandsons who were the light of her life. Her daughter, Jessica, of Madison, WI, preceded her in death after a lengthy illness. The void left in Sandy’s heart by Jessica’s passing was profound. As a family, her memory was continuously cherished to ensure her spirit was never forgotten. Sandy’s son, Joseph, and his wife, Melinda, of Dollar Bay, blessed her with two grandsons, Carter and Henry, whom Sandy loved without end. She adored finding new ways to spoil them and express her enduring affection. Everything in Sandy’s life revolved around her children and grandchildren and she always made sure they knew just how deeply they were cherished.
In addition to her daughter, Jessica, Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Jeanne Koski; her parents-in-law, Raymond Sr. and Shirley Zerbst; her eldest sister, Barbara Kleimola; brother Eugene Koski; and her brother-in-law, Les Haataja.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Raymond; her son, Joseph (Melinda) Zerbst; her cherished grandsons, Carter and Henry Zerbst, all of Dollar Bay; son-in-law Richard Bourne of Madison, WI; her siblings, Bill Koski, Patricia (Richard) Stetter, Dennis Koski, and Cindi Haataja; her siblings-in-law, Keith Zerbst, Ron (Kristen) Zerbst, and Christine; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members near and far. She leaves behind many dear friends, holding a particularly special place in her heart for her weekly lunch buddies. She will also be dearly missed by her beloved dog, Mia.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated healthcare professionals who tirelessly and compassionately cared for Sandy. Their care and service mean more than words can express.
A memorial service for Sandy will take place at 11:30 am on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel, with Pastor Peter Vorhes to officiate. The family will greet family and friends from 9:30 am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Spring burial will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
To view this obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
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