Sanford Scott Sell, of Racine, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.  He was 82.

Sanford was born in Milwaukee on May 5, 1943, the son of the late Lester G. and Beverly (Koenig) Sell.

After high school, Sanford enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served as a ship fitter from 1960 to 1969. During that time, Sanford met the late Phyllis Lynn (Wilson) Sell in Groton, Connecticut, and one year later was united in marriage in Mystic, Connecticut, on October 23, 1965. Sanford and Phyllis lived in Yokosuka, Japan, where Sanford was stationed for two years. This is where they started their family, before moving back to Racine, WI.

Sanford was a dedicated father and grandfather. He enjoyed going to comedy clubs, playing pranks on his family, remodeling or tinkering around the house, and listening to Wisconsin sports on the radio, especially Bob Uecker. Sanford was very engaged in politics. He spent his life supporting causes that advanced civil liberties and social equalities. Sanford was very giving. He loved to help family and neighbors with repairs or projects, along with regularly donating to charitable foundations.

Surviving are his four children, Kerrie (Jason Jancsek) Sell, Dan (Lisa) Sell, Brian (Maria) Sell, and Amy (Heather Hansen) Sell; his nine grandchildren, Collin and Blake Tarno, Tyler (Brandon Lilienfeld) and Braden (Nevada Severin) Sell, Madison and Kaylee Kauzlarich, Owen, Avery and Landon Sell; his great granddaughter Veda Rose Tarno and great grandson Collin Kuck Tarno Jr. He is also survived by his seven brothers and sisters, many loved nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family suggests memorials in Sanford's name be directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Veteran Outreach of Wisconsin.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, February 27, 2026. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m, followed by a service with Military Honors.

Service Details

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, February 27, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m, followed by a service with Military Honors.

For those wishing to watch the service via livestream, you may click on this link at 6:00 pm https://youtube.com/live/Sex2PrWf_wo?feature=share

Due to music licensing laws, you may experience moments without sound while recorded music is played.

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