Sara Jane (Speltz) Papenfuss, 65, of Winona, MN, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Sugar Loaf Senior Living with family by her side.
Sara was born on September 30, 1960, in Wabasha, MN, to Herbert and Kathleen (Herber) Speltz. She grew up on the family farm in Rollingstone, MN, and attended school in the Lewiston–Altura School District.
Through mutual friends, Sara met Richard Papenfuss, and the two were married on November 22, 1980, in Rollingstone. Together they raised three children. They later divorced in 2014.
For 28 years, Sara dedicated her career to caring for children as an in-home daycare provider. She later worked part-time at Goodview School before accepting a full-time position at Hal Leonard, where she remained until her diagnosis no longer allowed her to continue.
Early on, Sara was an active member of the Goodview Activity Group (G.A.G.) and the Winona Elks Club. She loved gardening, baking—especially making cookies with her grandchildren—and taking trips with friends and family.
Sara is survived by her three children: Ryan (Belinda) Papenfuss, Danielle (Kevin) Snyder, and Cody (Kylin) Papenfuss; eight grandchildren: Claire Papenfuss, Davis Papenfuss, Gracie Mueller, Gavin Mueller, Ayden Snyder, Sophie Snyder, Bennett Papenfuss, and Emersyn Papenfuss; and eight siblings: Mary (Jim Peterson) Ballard, Kelly (Carolyn) Speltz, Richard (Ann) Speltz, Eugene (Phyllis) Speltz, Rose (Greg) Cada, Perry (Sue Sweazey) Speltz, Paul (Brenda) Speltz, and Kris (Carol) Speltz. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents—Kathleen in 2007 and Herbert in 2020—and by her significant other, Dave Thicke, in 2021.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Winona. Visitation will take place on Friday, June 26, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Hoff Celebration of Life Center and will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A private burial will follow at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Rollingstone, MN.
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