Julius W. "Rock" Sandy

1934 - 2026

Julius W. 'Rock' Sandy
Born: February 25, 1934
Died: February 2, 2026
Julius W. "Rock" Sandy, 91, of Sycamore, IL, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Crescent Care, Elgin.
Born Feb. 25, 1934, on a farm near Saragossa in Walker County, Alabama, he graduated from Bessemer High School in 1954 near Birmingham, and attended University of Alabama and Jacksonville State College.
He served in the Army, with all assignments in the States, at Fort Knox, Fort Leonard Wood and the Fourteenth Corps of Engineers in Minneapolis, MN, 1956-1958.
He was an engineer and inventor who was awarded several patents. He was employed by Litton Medical, General Electric, Wahl Clipper, Ideal Industries and Greenlee Tool. He started his own consulting company and was active until he retired in 1999.
Rock was very active in fast-pitch softball as a pitcher for several teams in different leagues. His last activity pitching was at age 84, pitching in three games in the DeKalb/Sycamore Church League, where he had an ERA of .000. He gave up no earned runs.
He loved to fish and hunt with sons and grandsons. He enjoyed family activities and homemade meals (especially Taffy Apple Salad) with daughters, granddaughters, sons and grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Gladys; three brothers, Dewel, Doyle and Curtis; sister, Allene; son-in-law, Jim Ciechna; and other family members.
Still living are sisters, Joyce, Sue and Peggy.
He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Gerri; his two sons, Alan (Shellee) of Northport, AL, Lance (Faith) of Sycamore; daughters, Tammy Diehl of Sycamore, Janis (Brad) Baumann of Janesville, WI, and Jolene Ciechna of Sycamore; grandsons and granddaughters, Bryce Sandy, Zack and Derek Sandy, Alexander Ciechna, Caitlin Ciechna, Cody Baumann of Janesville, Lauren (Jacoby) Holtz and Lindsey Diehl; great-granddaughter, Kinley; and great-grandson, Kade.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family.
Visitation will be 4-7pm Thursday, Feb. 5, at Olson's Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178. The funeral service will be held at 11 am Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Sycamore.
For information, 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.