Michael J. Sandstrom

Obituary – Michael James Sandstrom
Michael James Sandstrom passed away in his sleep on December 21, 2020 at the age of 67.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Edwin Sandstrom and his loving wife, Marcia Sandstrom.
His surviving family members include his mother, Elaine Margaret Sandstrom-Woelfel, his sisters;
KathyAnn Kronforst and Mary Pat Plonske, his brothers; Stephen, Kevin, James, John, and David.
Michael volunteered to serve his Country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps from 1971-
1973
He graduated from Brookfield Central High in 1971 and from Carroll College in 1977 with a bachelor’s
degree in Communications.
Over the years Michael had a variety of careers from working in personnel, communications and owning
his own business. But what was really important to Michael was not his vocation but his avocation.
About a year and a half ago, Michael lost his wife Marcia, the love of his life. It is not an exaggeration to
say that his life was centered around his devotion to her. He said that in their 42 years of marriage they
never spent a single night apart. They did everything together. In order to describe what Mike loved to
do in life it has to be in the context of what THEY liked to do. Their daily life focused around three things:
gardening, birding, and their cats.
They were master gardeners. They had several raised-bed gardens, a hoop house to extend the growing
season, lots of flower gardens, and house plants including rare orchids. They raised most of the
vegetables that they needed for the year and much more. They canned fruits and vegetables and were
famous (at least among family members) for their amazing garlic dill pickles! We often kidded Michael
that he had enough canned goods to last him several years!
They were also avid birders. They had dozens of bird feeders in their yard and on their deck. The number
of birds you could see in their yard was astounding. Mike and Marcia would spend hours per day
feeding, watching, identifying and recording the birds they saw. Michael kept a daily journal of every
bird he identified. He would often share this information with other birders and birding organizations.
And they really loved their cats! Michael had four cats that they loved dearly. Gandolf, Missy, Nipper
and Bogo lived a pampered life. Michael did not manage the cats, the cats managed him! It was quite
humorous how Michael would talk to them like they were little people.
Mike was a caring, thoughtful and generous man who loved his family dearly. He will be missed by all
who knew and loved him.
Due to the current pandemic a Memorial Service will be postponed until Spring.

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