Jerry Sandmann

Jerry Allen Sandmann, 79 of Golden Valley, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Webster on June 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Donavon L. Riley will officiate. Military rites will be provided by the Northfield VFW and American Legion. Interment will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Webster. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are being completed by Boldt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Faribault.

Jerry is survived by his partner of 38 years, Richard Kelley and his sister, Betty Nelson, of Webster; nephews and nieces, James, Timothy, Kimberly and Kristine; great and great-great nephews and nieces, Jason, Sarah, Carrie, Nicholas, Kayla, Ashton, Avery, Lily; sister-in-law, Roxanna. He is also survived by Richard’s siblings Donna, Nancy and John. Jerry leaves behind many other loving family members and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Florence Sandmann, his brother, Larry and his nephew, Mark. He was also preceded in death by Richard’s brother, Larry and sister, Georgieann.

Jerry was born on July 24, 1945 and was placed in the Lutheran Children’s Friend Society of Minnesota, St. Paul campus. He was baptized Harlan Harvey some time between birth and his adoption. On January 1, 1946, at the age of 5 months, he was adopted by loving parents, Ira and Florence (Tonsager) Sandmann. They had previously adopted a baby girl, Betty, from the same adoption home, after having their name on the list for over 10 years. With all of the paperwork in hand and knowing that one baptism was good to make him a Child of God, his name on his birth certificate was changed Jerry Allen Sandmann. Aunt Agatha Sandmann (Ira’s sister) made the trip with them to pick up Jerry. As it was New Year’s Day, they then went to celebrate at Leif and Mable Fossum’s (Ira’s brother in law and sister) home in Webster. Many asked whose baby Florence had, as she often babysat one of her sibling’s children. Betty quickly spoke up and said “This is Mama’s baby.” In 1957, Jerry became a big brother when his parents adopted his brother, Larry, from a distant relative in Seattle at the age of 4.

Ira and Florence were the most loving and Christian parents one could have. Jerry was raised on his parent’s Holstein dairy farm in rural Webster, MN. He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Webster. He was confirmed at St. John’s in 1960 and was a graduate of New Prague High School in 1963. He was then drafted into the United States Army in October 1965 with a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1966-1967 for 11 months and 29 days; just short of one year credit.

While serving in the Army, Jerry was in the Infantry as a Ground Pounder. He had never been a hunter and had just been given a weapon. He trudged through the jungle, carrying a radio for a Lieutenant, was hit in the backpack by shrapnel, deafened by mortar noise and trained to jump out of moving helicopters. He was rated SP4, which is Specialist Fourth Class and was honorably discharged after two years.

Jerry later worked at Nybo Plumbing and then at Norelco, where he worked in the shaving repair shop. He then had a 25 year career at the United States Postal Service Powderhorn Post office as a mail carrier until retiring in 2008.

While being a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Jerry taught Sunday School for 20 years and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 15 years. He also served as President, Elder and Trustee. He led the Vacation Bible School program for many years, as well.

Jerry had many hobbies. He was a master at crocheting and was a long time member of the Minnesota Lace Society. He made hundreds of doilies, afghans, shawls and baby blankets, not to mention numerous other items. He learned to crochet and dance the polka from his mother. Jerry also collected flamingos, porcelain cats, elephants and turtles. He was an excellent singer, prior to the loss of his voice. He and his sister, Betty, often sang at church as well as many weddings and funerals.

Outside of his knitting and crocheting, Jerry would thrive doing gardening and landscaping work. He worked on the common area of their winter town home in Sun City West, Arizona and for many nearby neighbors. He was happiest when he was kept active. He also was a skillful and generous cook and baker. It was common for him to bring a batch of fresh made lefse for a holiday or other gathering. In earlier years, Jerry loved to travel.

Prior to retirement, Jerry and Richard spent time at a vacation condo they had in Naples, Florida. After retirement, they wintered in their townhouse in Sun City West, Arizona.

Jerry was first diagnosed with cancer in 1998. He had surgery in addition to heavy radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells. The side effects of the radiation led to destroyed saliva glands and lack of circulation to the area; ultimately creating slow deterioration of the teeth and jawbone. In 2018, a small leg bone was partially removed to form a new jawbone. In 2022, after being cancer free for 24 years, tongue cancer returned. Surgery to remove the tumor resulted in the loss of his ability to swallow. He began tube feedings, which continued for the remainder of his life.

In June 2024, new tumors in the neck area were discovered. Two rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy were given, which resulted in major side effects. In September, the tumors closed his windpipe and a tracheotomy was necessary. At that point, he was admitted to the VA hospital with a major infection. He was hospitalized for 6 weeks for very strong intravenous antibiotics and then 6 weeks Inpatient VA Hospice. Jerry had an amazing and miraculous recovery in hospice from being bedridden to being able to climb stairs and begin to care for himself. He was released to go home for in home hospice with Park Nicollet Methodist Home Hospice program. This allowed Jerry to live out his days in comfort and with dignity in his own home.

Jerry’s final weeks and months were spent crocheting, working puzzles, playing games as much as possible. As he became weaker, he continued to spend time with family and friends and his faith never wavered. Jerry credited his amazing progress to recover enough to be able to go home for his final months to good care and God hearing the prayers of many prayer groups, friends and relatives. Despite all of the obstacles Jerry was faced with, he always had a great attitude about life and never complained. Jerry was a true testament that God never gives you more than you can handle. His laughter and smile were truly contagious and could light up a room. One could not help but smile when seeing Jerry’s positive attitude.

In Jerry’s own words “I believe in miracles and trust in my Savior Jesus. Just me, a vet, Jerry”