Iva Jean Sandwisch

Iva Jean (Tilson) Sandwisch, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Otterbein Northshore, Marblehead. She was born on September 15, 1942 in Lacarne, Ohio to Jack and Gertrude Tilson. Iva was a proud 1960 graduate of Port Clinton High School and spent her life surrounded by her family and friends in the community she loved.

Iva married Marvin (Sam) Sandwisch on June 3, 1961 and together they shared 53 years of love and companionship until his passing in 2015. Iva was a homemaker for many years often caring for other children who she always considered them as her own. She spent a few years working at Tadsen Agency. Iva worked 20 years for Walmart as dept. manager over fabrics before retiring.

Iva had many hobbies. She taught many of the younger generation how to crochet. From dish scrubbers, pot holders, stuffed animals to afghans, there wasn’t anything she couldn’t make with yarn.

Baking was another hobby she loved. She made cakes throughout the years for birthdays and many other special occasions. Cookies were her specialty around the holidays when she baked dozens of different kinds to give to family, co-workers, etc. Chocolate chip was always the most requested, which to this day none of us can duplicate yet.

Her sewing talent was beyond anyone we know. Some of her projects were clothes for her kids/grandkids, dolls, stuffed animals, Halloween costumes, all the displays in Walmart fabric dept., the beautiful wedding gowns and dresses for many brides and the wedding parties.

Iva’s greatest love though was being a wife, a mother, and a grandma/great-grandma. Always putting the needs or wants of others before herself, she was the most selfless and generous soul. She was always willing to help anyone in time of need and never asked for anything in return. Her love for family and friends was unwavering.

Iva is survived by her children, Michele (Charlie) Huffman, Rob (Denise) Sandwisch, and Jodi Cerbus; grandchildren, Joshua Huffman, Rachel (Kenny Bailey) Huffman, Tyler Sandwisch, Justin (Kirsten) Sandwisch, Nathan Sandwisch, Lauren (Shawn) Weagley, Brandon (Amy) Cerbus, Andrew (Giovanna) Cerbus and Ariel Cerbus; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Adrienne, Eli, Evelyn, Adaline, KJ and Peyton with another one due in April; siblings, Cliff (Sheila) White, Jackie (Roger) Smith, Ruth Meade, Carol Mclendon, and Kathy (Dan) Rohrbacher; sister-in-law, Arlene Sandwisch; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Gertrude Tilson; her husband, Sam; brothers, Don, Paul, and Jimmy in infancy; and son-in-law, John Cerbus.

Services will be held at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2 pm with showing from 11 am – 2 pm. Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Methodist Church Fellowship Hall after conclusion of funeral.

Memorial Contributions in Iva’s honor may be made to Ashanti Hospice of Otterbein or Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary.