Harry Norman Sandstrom
Harry Norman Sandstrom was the first born to Naomi Judith Anderson Sandstrom and Harry Martin Sandstrom in Bristol, South Dakota, on Jan. 26, 1944. Harry grew up on a farm near Waubay, South Dakota. After graduating salutatorian from Waubay High School, Harry attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and received a political science degree. There he met his forever love, Kathy Hall. In 1966, they married in Iowa City, where Harry earned a master’s degree in political science from the University of Iowa.
Harry entered the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and Vietnam. Following his tour in Vietnam, the family moved back to Vermillion, where he attended law school at the University of South Dakota. He served a year after law school as Judge Nichol’s clerk in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before joining the private practice Bantz and Gosch in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 1978, the family moved to Des Moines for Kathy’s job as a pole climbing instructor for the telephone company. Harry joined the legal department at Dial Finance Co., which, after a series of mergers, became Wells Fargo. He retired in 1999.
A lifelong Lutheran and devoted Democrat, Harry lived a fulfilling retirement with a great mix of purpose and fun. He loved reading, biking, cooking, eating and traveling. Throughout his life, he maintained close ties with his family and friends. By far the most important person in his life was his wife, life partner, and best friend, Kathy.
Harry courageously faced health problems during his last eight years. He rehabilitated after a massive stroke. He also battled chronic back pain, arthritis and sciatica. A fall in mid-October required brain surgery. Harry fought to recover, but eventually found peace and comfort at Kavanaugh Hospice House.
Harry is survived by his wife, Kathy Sandstrom; daughters, Jill Sandstrom Almgren (John) and Kristin Sandstrom Markert (Paul); grandchildren, Kate, Inga and Eden Almgren and Reina and Graham Markert; siblings, John and Carol; and many other family members and friends.
Harry’s life will be celebrated with a service at Hope+Elim in Des Moines on Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be for one hour prior to service. Lunch will follow the service. Interment will be held Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hope+Elim Church. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.
Harry entered the U.S. Army, serving in Germany and Vietnam. Following his tour in Vietnam, the family moved back to Vermillion, where he attended law school at the University of South Dakota. He served a year after law school as Judge Nichol’s clerk in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before joining the private practice Bantz and Gosch in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 1978, the family moved to Des Moines for Kathy’s job as a pole climbing instructor for the telephone company. Harry joined the legal department at Dial Finance Co., which, after a series of mergers, became Wells Fargo. He retired in 1999.
A lifelong Lutheran and devoted Democrat, Harry lived a fulfilling retirement with a great mix of purpose and fun. He loved reading, biking, cooking, eating and traveling. Throughout his life, he maintained close ties with his family and friends. By far the most important person in his life was his wife, life partner, and best friend, Kathy.
Harry courageously faced health problems during his last eight years. He rehabilitated after a massive stroke. He also battled chronic back pain, arthritis and sciatica. A fall in mid-October required brain surgery. Harry fought to recover, but eventually found peace and comfort at Kavanaugh Hospice House.
Harry is survived by his wife, Kathy Sandstrom; daughters, Jill Sandstrom Almgren (John) and Kristin Sandstrom Markert (Paul); grandchildren, Kate, Inga and Eden Almgren and Reina and Graham Markert; siblings, John and Carol; and many other family members and friends.
Harry’s life will be celebrated with a service at Hope+Elim in Des Moines on Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be for one hour prior to service. Lunch will follow the service. Interment will be held Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hope+Elim Church. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.