Sandra "Sandy" Lee Klug

Sandra Lee (née Hager) Klug, 80, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2025. Sandy was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she first met her husband, James Herbert Klug (“Jim”), while both attending Milwaukee Lutheran High School. The two graduated together and furthered their education at both the University of Wisconsin (undergraduate study) and the University of Illinois (graduate study) – Sandy ultimately earning a Master of Science in Zoology. After completing their schooling, Sandy and Jim moved to Maplewood, Minnesota. Sandy spent her days in Minnesota raising her boys, Jeremy and Justin, and selflessly serving others through volunteer work (she was passionate about serving with Ramsey County Humane Society, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, and more). The family relocated to Austin, Texas in 1990, where Sandy built new lifelong relationships with many friends, and continued to volunteer for numerous church and animal-related organizations - including being awarded the Williamson County Humane Society Hall of Fame award in 1997. Sandy and Jim would eventually return “home” to Sandy’s beloved Minnesota (Woodbury) in 1997 to retire, where Sandy continued her volunteer work with Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Second Chance Animal Rescue. Sandy moved to Kingsport, Tennessee after the passing of her husband in 2019 to be closer to family – and, as she did throughout her life, created and cultivated more friendships during her time in Kingsport.

Sandy was passionate about many things throughout her life – including all animals (especially dogs – Sandy and Jim had more than ten dogs during their 53-year marriage), cooking and providing for her family, sweets (anything with chocolate, perhaps hot fudge sundaes especially), serving the church, reading, crossword puzzles, and Minnesota winters (yes – Minnesota winters…she insisted on retiring in Minnesota, and was called “Minnesota Mom” by many in her family). Sandy was adored by her family – including her parents (Jack and Lorraine Hager), brother, husband, sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and more. Sandy was also a caring and thoughtful friend to many people throughout all seasons of her life. Sandy is remembered as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and steward.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Jim. 

She is survived by her sons, Jeremy (Ellen) of Kingsport, Tennessee and Justin (Abby) of Chatham, New Jersey; grandchildren, Owen, Nia, Liam, Annabelle, Colton, and Travis; her younger brother, Douglas Hager (Maribeth); nieces, Kelly, Kristin; and other family. Sandy is also survived by so many wonderful friends she cherished deeply.

A memorial service for Sandy will be held at First Broad Street United Methodist Church of Kingsport, Tennessee on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Randy Frye officiating. The family invites friends to join them for a small reception following the service.

A live stream of the service will be available for friends and family that are not able to attend in person. 

Memorials appreciated in Sandy’s memory to Second Chance Animal Rescue: secondchancerescue.org/contributions.