Robert “Bob” Alan Sandstede was born on February 8, 1954, to John and Elisabeth (Bode) Sandstede in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised in town and attended public school.
Bob then entered the United States Army and served his country as a medic during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began work as a carpenter. He later traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands where he did carpentry work and operated heavy machinery equipment for 10 years. He returned to the states and continued his trade of carpentry in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the surrounding area.
On July 4, 2010, Bob married Kathy Beeler in Sioux Falls. In 2014 he retired, and the couple moved to Luverne.
Bob passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 70 years, one month and 22 days.
Bob loved golfing, having a good time with friends, and shaking dice down at The Dog.” He enjoyed filling his birdfeeders and then watching all of the different species that showed up to eat. He was a very talented drawer and especially like drawing birds.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children and grandchildren, Michelle Kroontje of Sauk Centre and her children, Nicole and Taylor, and Josh Sandstede of Pipestone, Minnesota; stepchildren and their children, Kim Krueger of Huron, South Dakota, and her children, Bailey Brodkorb and Hunter (Courtlyne) Larsen, and Krista (Scott) Merritt and their children, Carter, Jack, and Libby; four step-great-grandchildren, Stokley, Degan, Maddyn, and Hudson; a sister, Ruth (Gene) Gehrke of Jasper, Minnesota; a special aunt, Wanda Briggs of Luverne; his dog, Buttons, and cat, Rags; and other friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Sandstede.
Funeral service is Wednesday, April 3, at 11 a.m., with visitation at 10 a.m., all at Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Steen, Minnesota.
Arrangements are under the care of Hartquist Funeral Home in Luverne. To sign an online registry, please visit www.hartquistfuneral.com.