Eric Jon Sandberg

Eric Jon Sandberg, age 47, was born January 29, 1977 in Pipestone, Minnesota and was baptized at St. Leo Catholic Church. At the age of 11, Eric moved into a group home established by his mother where he lived for his entire life. His first day at the group home was where he met his ‘other mother’ Theresa Swenson, who was by his side for 36 years. After graduation from Pipestone Area High School in 1999, he enjoyed spending his days with friends at Progress Inc.

Eric loved to spend his time watching TV, listening to music, and going for car rides, but most of all he loved hanging out with his buddies at home. On holidays his family looked forward to when Eric could come home so they could enjoy his spirited toy fights, watch him tease his mom, catch him turning on every tv in the house, and make him laugh so hard he couldn’t catch his breath. Eric will be remembered for his hugs, his infectious smile, his belly laughs, and his boney toe jabs. Most of all, he will be remembered for his ability to make a bad day good. 

Eric deeply touched everyone he met; he was a gentle soul who loved abundantly. 

Eric is survived by his parents, Mary Jo (Gale) Benson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his second mom, Theresa Swenson of Pipestone, Minnesota; his siblings, Matthew (Michelle) Sandberg of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Brianna (Josh) Hoffman, of Fort Myers, Florida, Jason Donaldson, of Sanford, Florida, Melanie Rye, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Jeremiah Benson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and his other brothers, Jeremy, Wayne, and Dylan.

Eric is preceded in death by his father, Marlon Sandberg; his grandparents, Marcel and Eileen Reisch, June and Willard Sandberg, Wally and Donna Mae Benson; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorials can be directly forwarded to family members and will be donated to Eric’s group home in Pipestone, Minnesota and Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.