John L. Sandman

  John L. Sandman, 67, of Sioux City passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024 at a local care facility on his beloved wife Julie’s birthday. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

  John was born on August 31, 1956 in Sioux city, the son of Leonard and Jean (Ahmann) Sandman. He grew up in Sioux City and graduated from Bishop Heelan High School in 1974. He then moved to California where he attended school at the University of California, both at the Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz campuses. He later obtained his degree through the University of South Dakota.

  John entered the Air Guard on August 16, 1990 and worked for 25 years until December 30, 2015 when he retired a Senior Master Sergeant with the 185^th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. John was a patriotic man who enjoyed serving his country and giving back through his various deployments and years at the ARW.

  On March 25, 1978 John married Julie Shook in Sioux City. To this union, five children were born. John and Julie made their home in Sioux City, but in later years relocated to Cocoa Beach, FL, where John enjoyed working at the Kennedy Space Center. The couple later returned home to Sioux City to be closer to their family.

  John was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sioux City. He was instrumental in fundraising for the Siouxland Freedom Park as well as initiating legislation to rename the Sioux City airport the Brigadier General Bud Day Field. He was a co-founder of the Sioux City YMCA soccer program, and also started the Bishop Heelan soccer program where he served as a longtime coach.  

  In his free time, John was an avid reader and enjoyed riding RAGBRAI, where he made several friends over the years. He loved traveling with his family, and could be found cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Green Bay Packers, Briar Cliff Chargers, and Bishop Heelan Crusaders. John was an extremely generous and giving person, charitable with donations and his time for several local organizations. More than anything, John was immensely proud of his family.

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Trinity Heights – Queen of Peace, or to Siouxland Freedom Park.

  He is survived by his wife, Julie Sandman of Sioux City; children: Sara Gunderson (Bart) of Hubbard, NE, Kristy Sandman of Sioux City, Tom Sandman (Aimee) of Dakota Dunes, SD, Matt Sandman (Kasey) of Dakota Dunes, SD, and Aaron Sandman (Kelli) of Vadnais Heights, MN; grandchildren: Hailey, Madison, T.J., Jaxson, Jayde, Dylan, Josie, Beckham, and Max; siblings: James Sandman (Rita), Mary Garcia, Mark Sandman (Kerry), and Peter Sandman (Janelle); and several nieces and nephews.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Leonard Sandman; infant twin sisters: Margaret and Patricia; a grandson, Brody; father-in-law, Earl Shook; brother-in-law, Manny Garcia; and a nephew, Mike Garcia.