Timothy Sanden Obituary
He was born on May 15, 1956 to Bernard and Ilene (Seaman) Sanden. He lived the first few years of his life in Rolfe, IA, with his parents and 3 older siblings. After the death of his father in 1960, his mother remarried and they moved to rural Manson, IA. He began his education at Manson Elementary School and graduated with the class of 1974. In high school he took an interest in dance and took lessons for 4 years. He performed in high school musicals as a dancer/singer one of which was "Fiddler on the Roof." He was also active in marching band and played the drums. During his senior year he was the drum major. At his senior prom he was crowned king.
After graduating from high school he attended Drake University in Des Moines, IA, studying voice as his major and piano as his minor. He continued more education at Stephens College in Columbia, MO studying music and dance. He then moved to Oklahoma and later to Dallas, TX. He made his final move to Chicago where he remained until his death.
His love of the performing arts acting, singing and dancing brought him on stage not only in high school and college but continued in many performances in Oklahoma, Dallas, St. Louis and Chicago.
Former actor/singer/dancer at Lyric Theater of Oklahoma
Former actor/singer at Dallas Repertory Theater
Former singer at Stageworks, Dallas, TX
Former actor/singer at Stage West Theater, Fort Worth, TX
Former actor at Calm Eddy's Cabaret Theater, Dallas, TX
Former actor at Addison Theater at the Old Stone Cottage, Addison, TX
Former actor at KD Studio Theater, Dallas, TX
Former actor/singer at St. Louis MUNY
Former professional chorister at Chicago Symphony chorus
Former singer at Music of the Baroque
Former stage artist at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Actors Equity-Member
American Guild of Musical Artists-Member
Tim was employed as a Document Center Specialist at Vedder Price law firm in Chicago.
He is survived by his sister, Cindy Sanden of Fort Dodge, IA, brothers, Bert Sanden of Manson, IA and Jon Sanden of Creston, IA and many nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by many many friends and special friends Timmy's Angels. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Sanden and Ilene McVicker.
Memorials may be left to the family for their further discretion.
A more comprehensive account of his life and public guestbook can be found at Legacy.com.
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6 Entries
R. Gee
September 26, 2025
I was fortunate to meet Tim one hot summer in Oklahoma City, OK. We bonded and began our friendship performing summer stock at Lyric Theater. He was a triple threat of talent with a great singing voice, wonderful dancing feet, and extraordinary acting skills. I was so envious of this talented guy that I had to be his friend. Tim is one of my oldest and dearest friends who always made me laugh with his witty sense of humor and his quick clever intelligence.
I'll always remember Tim's love for opera, the theater, and movies. His face always lit up talking about the arts. He could give you the synopsis to any opera and the bio of all the latest and greatest opera singers. I'll always remember the good, fun times with Tim and the special memories that we all shared with him. He is in a beautiful, peaceful place now singing his favorite arias down on us.
I'd like to send my heartfelt, deepest condolence to the Sanden family and Tim's work family. Tim was a genuine person who made a everlasting, positive impression on everyone that met him . . . till we meet again.
Gregory Scollan
September 26, 2025
I'll miss my friend Tim. His wit, intelligence and humor. So many great conversations. He was a mentor to me at our first job together at McDermott 2012. Tim started after I did and was such a breath of fresh air. His no-nonsense approach, and ability to problem solve. I learned so much from him. We became good friends, and spent many birthdays and holidays together, went to so many plays and museums, parks and bike rides, and shared countless meals together. We quoted a lot of movies (both the door Mariaha, and ya didn't eat ya din din) and Tim had a great memory so he could quote some great lines. My heartfelt sympathies to his family members and also our Vedder family. Much love Tim. I know you're singing your heart out in heaven - and also teaching them a thing or two.
Lina Floretta
September 24, 2025
Tim was such a great guy and I loved working with him at Vedder Price!
I enjoyed our conversations about the show "The Voice" and predicting season winners. He would always offer great advice and if he saw it was a hard day, he'd bring me a cookie with a smile. We both loved our chocolate chip cookies and I made sure we sent them to him in our care packages. He is already missed so much! Condolences go out to Tim´s family.
Tasha Martens
September 24, 2025
Tim was such an awesome addition to our Vedder family. His brilliance and kindness was a wonderful asset to our department. Love and miss you very much, Tim. Your friend, Tasha
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Natalie Reed
September 22, 2025
Tim was such a kind soul and I´m thankful I had the experience of working with him at Vedder. He was a hard worker, upbeat and fun to talk to. He was so knowledgeable and open and I feel he just knew how to talk to people; he was truly a gentlemen.
My condolences to Tim´s family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Nancy Stegge
September 22, 2025
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