Obituary of Roger Vernel Sandstrom

Age 88, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, passed away at home Saturday, November 1, 2014. He was born in Shafer, Minnesota on September 2, 1926 to Wilfred and Mabel Sandstrom. He was baptized and confirmed at Trade Lake Zion Lutheran Church. In 1944, he graduated from Luck High School. On February 2, 1953, he married Phyllis Coen. Together, they had five children. They lived and worked on the family farm for many years. In addition to farming, Roger enjoyed and excelled in sales. He was a top salesman in agricultural products and real estate. Roger actively contributed to the community throughout his life. He held various board positions for the Trade Lake Zion Lutheran Church, Laketown Township, Luck High School and The Pioneer Home. Sports were an important part of Roger's life. He played catcher in softball and later coached his sons' teams. He was a huge fan of the Luck Cardinals, Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He also loved woodworking, bowling and trying his luck at the casino. Roger loved his family and many friends. He will be remembered as a caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed visiting with people. He could talk to anyone and everyone and did every chance he got! Roger and Phyllis were happily married for 53 years until Phyllis' death in 2006. He was lucky to fall in love twice. In 2008, he married Virginia Johnson. During their marriage, they treasured each others' company on their many trips. Roger is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; his five children and their spouses, Brad (Melody), Bevin (Jill), Jerry, Jill Hogan (Patrick), and Timm (Staci); his grandchildren, Amy, Kelly, Brian, Adam, Alex, Brock, Kelly, Conor, Jacob, and Nick; great grandchildren; Dawson, Lane, Nolan, Austin, McKenna, and Madison, his sisters Elvis Neslund (John), Doris Olson (Donny) and Phyllis Peterson (Bill), and Virginia's children, Susan G. Lenz (LaVerne), Kathleen Doth (Peter), Jackie Schommer (James), Jeannie Johnson Barrett (Kevin) and Thomas R. Johnson (Lea). He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents, his brothers Chester, Harold and Crawford Sandstrom and his sisters Rocille Hillsdale and Marjorie Wilson, and granddaughter Sarah. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1614 270th Avenue, Luck, Wisconsin at 10:00 am. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 am officiated by Pastor Robert Lubben.