Raymond Sandstrom

Raymond A. "Bear" Sandstrom, 66, Superior, died Thursday, June 18, 2009 in St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth. He was born on April 15, 1943 in Bayfield, WI to Emil and Mabel (Cooke) Sandstrom and has lived in Superior for most of his life.
He graduated from the former Superior East High School in 1961. From 1961 to 1965 he served with the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam War and was stationed in Goose Bay, Labrador.
Ray and his wife Pat met in high school and were married a year after graduation on August 11, 1962 in Superior and celebrated forty-seven years of marriage.
In earlier years, they cared for teenage foster children in their home.
He was employed as an operator with Murphy Oil for thirty-five years before retiring in 2003.
Ray enjoyed fishing and hunting from his hunting shack of the Becks Road in Cloverland. He also enjoyed traveling but his family was the most important part of his life.
In addition to his wife Pat, Ray is survived by one daughter, Sara (Dave) Beattie, Superior; one son, Mark (Gena) Sandstrom, Hayward, WI; one brother, Ed (Marge) Sandstrom, Windsor, WI; two sisters, Darlene Brown, Ashland, WI, Vonnie (Joe Scott) Efaw, Inver Grove Heights, MN; two half brothers, Ron (Pam) Frazier, Ashland, Bob (Betty) Frazier, Thersa, WI; one half sister, Marilyn (Bob) Montgomery, Coos Bay, OR; six grandchildren, Brooklyn Beattie, Benny Adams, Taylor Sandstrom, Mark Sandstrom, Jr., Sami and Johnny Espersen, one brother-in-law, Allen Ferguson, Springbrook, WI and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marlys Ferguson.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday, June 22, 2009 and will continue at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 23, 2009 until the 11:00 AM Memorial Service in the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church. Pastor Mark Holmes will officiate.
Inurnment will be in Nemadji Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Tom Higgins, Richard Lowney, Rick Davern, Steve Hanson, Don Aro and Joe McLaughlin.
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guest book, please visit Lenroot-maetzold.com.