Donald F. Sandstrom

Donald F. Sandstrom, age 90 of Hermantown, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, February 3, 2024 after a series of month-long health issues.

 Don graduated from Gilbert High School. He valued the lifelong friendships he had with high school friends and spoke of them often. While in school, he excelled in sports and won a state basketball championship during his high school. Don played baseball in the local American Legion League. He was scouted and given an opportunity to pitch for the Cleveland Indians baseball team. 

 After his high school graduation, Don pursued a career in education at UMD and was a teacher for several years. Don held a doctorate of education degree. He took great pride in his last job as Superintendent of Schools in Hermantown, MN. He served a 3-year term as president of the Superintendents’ Association and was voted Superintendent of the Year by his MASA peers.

 Don enjoyed fishing at the cabin and was an avid hunter and loved spending time at his cabin with the family. He was also a self-taught skilled carpenter, building 3 houses, a cabin and hunting shack in his lifetime. He loved telling stories, especially of growing up in Gilbert, where he was raised. 

 Don’s grandchildren were incredibly special to him.  He looked forward to spending time with them teaching them how to fish and hunt and shared his love of sports with them.  He loved telling them stories of his childhood and was so proud of each grandchild. 

 Don was Perry Como’s #1 fan and was fortunate to befriend him and visit Perry at his home in Florida on more than one occasion.

 Don is preceded in death by parents Arne and Isabelle Sandstrom, siblings Edward “Brother”, Patricia, June, Jack, Jim and Billy. He is survived by wife Nancy, daughters Kristi (Gary), Kelly (Mark), Michelle (Chad), grandchildren Reese, Nathan, Rachael and Ryan along with Donald’s brother, David and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Thank you to the healthcare teams that Don had at Essentia Health and Ecumen Lakeshore for their incredible compassion and care. 

 Funeral service will be 11:00am Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert, MN with Fr. Babu Mandagiri officiating.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am.  Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an organization in the medical field.