Charles "Chuck" Sandstrom

1941 - 2024

Northfield - Charles "Chuck" Sandstrom, age 83, of Northfield, passed away peacefully Monday morning, July 29, 2024, at his home, with his wife Dianne at his side.

Born July 1, 1941, to A. Harry and Louise (Hedger) Sandstrom in Brooklyn, New York, Chuck graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1959 before making his way to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Chuck famously met Deanna Barks in the lunch line at St. Olaf during the fall of 1960. After earning a bachelor's degree in economics in 1963, he spent a year in graduate school at the University of Minnesota while Deanna finished her senior year at St. Olaf. They were married June 28, 1964, just weeks after her graduation.

The couple spent their next two years in the Twin Cities, and returned to Northfield in 1966 when Chuck accepted a job with Sheldahl. Within the next few years, the couple welcomed their two children, Scott and Krista, and Chuck took a new job at Control Data Corporation in Bloomington, MN. Up until this point, most of his life was spent in a world of numbers and analysis, but being a first time home owner brought out a creative side in Chuck, and he developed a love of woodworking, furniture making and carpentry which lasted his entire life. Unfortunately, in a devastating blow to the young family, Deanna was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1977, and the course of their lives was forever altered. After retiring in 1992, Chuck became Deanna's primary caregiver until she passed in October of 2001. With much life still left to live, Chuck's heart found solace in the companionship of Dianne Kelly, whom he had known from years past in Northfield. The couple married October 11, 2003, blending their lives and families.

Chuck was a kind and thoughtful man with a wide array of interests and talents. He was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, having served in many leadership roles, sang in the choir for over 50 years, and also sang in a male quartet for the last fifteen years. His passion for all things related to the Civil War led him to read dozens of books on the subject, and drive east on numerous occasions to visit the battlefields and other historical sites. The Northfield Arts Guild also played a role in his adult life. Over the years he was involved in numerous productions as an actor, singer and set designer. His many travels brought him to over 30 states, Europe, South America, New Zealand and a special trip to visit relatives in Gavle, Sweden. Although he thoroughly enjoyed traveling near and far, Chuck's heart was always anchored in the Northfield community, which is why he and Deanna chose to create a life there more than 58 years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; son, Scott of Eagan; daughter-in-law, Xenia Sandstrom-McGuire of St. Paul; Dianne's children, Kathy (Paul) of Llano, TX: Anne (Dave) of St. Paul; Amy of Circle Pines; Bill (Stacy) of Northfield; grandchildren Soren, Brigitta, Ryan, Rachel, Haden, Roland, Jack, and Izzy; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Deanna; his daughter, Krista Sandstrom-McGuire; daughter-in-law, Karen Enockson; grandson Halen Kelly; and sister, Lynn.

Chuck's family would like to thank Dr. Mark Labenski; Dr. Kwan at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and Allina Hospice of Northfield for their encouragement, compassion and care these past months. Special thanks to hospice nurse Dory.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Friday, August 23, 2024, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield. A visitation will be held from 4-7 PM, Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church and a reception will follow the service at the church.

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