Harry Sandstrom Obituary

Harry’s kind heart, dry humor, curious mind, and gentle spirit earned him a place in many hearts. He made the world a better place, and will forever be loved and missed.

Harry was the first born to Naomi Judith Anderson Sandstrom and Harry Martin Sandstrom in Bristol, SD on January 26, 1944. He was later joined by siblings John Sandstrom (Jacki), Carol Sandstrom Swanson (Jerry), and Robert Sandstrom.

Harry grew up on a farm near Waubay, SD. As a kid, he collected baseball cards and loved playing all sports, both in the pasture and later in school. His brother John was a constant sidekick.

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, IA where Harry earned a Masters in Political Science from the University of Iowa.

Soon their daughter Jill was born in 1967, and Harry entered the Army. He served in Germany, where daughter Kristin was born in 1969. He also served in Vietnam.

When Harry returned from his tour in Vietnam, the family moved back to Vermillion, SD 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, SD before joining private practice Bantz and Gosch in Aberdeen, SD.

In 1978, the family moved to Des Moines, IA 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, his two daughters, Jill Sandstrom Almgren (John) and Kristin Sandstrom Markert (Paul) and grandchildren Kate, Inga, and Eden Almgren and Reina and Graham Markert, siblings John and Carol, and many other family members and friends.

A friend remarked that Harry lived in contrast to those who boast of “taking life by the throat.” Harry took life by the hand - not the throat - and was its companion in all the adventures, joys, sorrows, travels, humor, dedication, and love he shared and invited us to share in his journeys. We thank God for loaning Harry to us, and trust we will join him in Heaven.

We will celebrate Harry’s life with a service at Hope+Elim in Des Moines, Iowa on December 27, 2024. Come at 10:00 for a visit, 11:00 for the service, and then join us for lunch.

The interment will be held December 24 at 11 AM at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Van Meter. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hope+Elim Church.

The service will be live streamed by Hope+Elim by clicking "Live" at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@hope-elim/streams

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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