Sanata Wan Chuen Lau

Sanata Lau, age, 61, of Marshfield, died on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the Marshfield Medical Center.

Funeral services for Sanata will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 207 South Cherry Avenue, Marshfield, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Nancy Amacher officiating. Immediately following the service, a celebration of life reception will be held at Wildwood Station (on the Soo Line Side), Wildwood Park, Marshfield.

Sanata Wan Chuen Lau was born in Hong Kong on October 20, 1959, to Yuk Yuen Lau and Kam Fung Law.  He attended schools in Sheung Shui, and upon graduation from high school, earned his teaching certificate in geography and English from Grantham College. 

One fine Sunday morning, he met the love of his life at his Lutheran church in Sheung Shui.  He and Cathy were united in marriage on August 17, 1985, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Marshfield.  Sanata worked as a cook, tutor, Chinese cooking instructor, and was employed by Weyerhaeuser for 10 years before deciding to follow his interest in technology.  He earned a technology certificate from Mid-State Technical College; a Bachelor’s Degree from Lakeland University; and a Master’s Degree from Marian University.  He first worked for CESA 5, then as Technology Director for the Nekoosa and Port Edwards School Districts.  He solved countless technology problems for students and staff.  He was dedicated to using district resources to the utmost advantage in order to be the most helpful to all at the schools.  His patience, kindness and dedication will not be forgotten.

Sanata was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving on their technology team.  He was also a former member of the City of Marshfield’s Cable TV committee; served as treasurer at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; and was instrumental in assisting Cathy with Sister Cities activities and leadership, linking Marshfield to Jáuregui and Luján, Argentina.

Sanata lived for his family.  Nothing made him happier than spending time with them.  He took great pride in preparing and serving them delicious meals, and planning trips.  Favorite destinations included Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Macau, China and Argentina.  These are treasured family memories, with a very special connection to Jacksonport, Door County, Wisconsin.

He loved spending time with friends, and many a good conversation was held on the patio at the grill. 

Sanata is survived by his loving wife, Cathy, Eden Prairie, MN; son Alex and fiancée Jess Warren, Austin, TX; daughter Joanna and husband Ben Accola, and grandchildren Lloie and Casper, Bloomington, MN.  He loved them with all his heart.

He is further survived by two brothers, a niece and a nephew, and other relatives, Hong Kong.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

He will be remembered for his strength of character, his faith, his love of family, his skill and knowledge of Chinese food and cooking, his resourcefulness and work ethic, his patience and kindness, his willingness to help others, and his sense of humor and ready collection of ‘Dad jokes’.

He was a remarkable husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, and he will be so greatly missed.

Very special and heartfelt thanks to the Marshfield Medical Center staff and physicians, especially on 8th and 4th floors, for their extraordinary and compassionate care.

It was Sanata’s wish that memorials be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research (stjude.org) and to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org)

For your convenience, online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com.

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