Donneta “Dee” Sandmann (née Solomon) passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026 at the age of 96, surrounded by all four of her children and her daughter-in-law, a testament to the deep love and close-knit family she cherished throughout her life.

Born on July 28, 1929 in Findlay, Ohio, Dee was the daughter of Jesse W. Solomon Sr. and Martha Anna (Eiler) Solomon. She lived a life defined by her devotion to God, her family, generosity, and grace.

Dee was the beloved wife of John H. Sandmann for 50 years. She was a devoted mother to her four children: Patti Ann (Dennis) Duncan of Frankfort, Illinois and Punta Gorda, Florida; Pamela J. (Fred) Allen of Cary, Illinois and Punta Gorda, Florida; John H. (Kathleen) Sandmann II of Frankfort, Illinois and Prosper, Texas; and Karyn (Michael) Muller of Frankfort, Illinois and Melbourne, Florida.

She was a cherished grandmother to Christopher Sandmann, Evan Sandmann, and Donneta Duncan, and a proud great-grandmother to Jennifer Duncan and Johnathan Wise. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Martha Solomon; her beloved husband, John H. Sandmann; her brothers Jesse W. Solomon Jr., George Solomon, Richard C. Rensch, and Robert E. Rensch; and her nephew, Frederick M. Solomon.

Family was the center of Dee’s world. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loved deeply and treasured every moment spent with those she held dear. She especially enjoyed attending her grandsons’ baseball games and was among their biggest supporters and loudest cheerleaders.

Dee had a generous heart and a servant’s spirit, always willing to help those in need. She dedicated her time as a Girl Scout Leader and a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, touching the lives of many young people.

She balanced family, work, and community service with remarkable grace. Throughout her career, she worked in accounting for The Ohio Oil Company, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, and Garwood Industries, and later worked as a computer operator for Illinois Bell. She eventually served as the Managing Broker of RE/MAX All Properties in Frankfort, Illinois.

Among her many interests, Dee enjoyed decorating her home, flower gardening, ceramics, china painting, golf, and bowling. A talented bowler, she achieved the rare accomplishment of bowling her first perfect 300 game at Lemont Lanes—one of many examples of her determination, skill, and competitive spirit.

Those who knew Dee will remember her hearty laugh, wonderful sense of humor, beautiful smile, kindness, strength, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the values she instilled in those she loved.

A private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to organizations that were meaningful to Dee, including the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.