Jerome “Jerry” Edward Sandstrom

Jerry Sandstrom passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife of 63 years, Mavis, at his side.

Born in Lisbon, North Dakota, Jerry grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and quiet strength that shaped his life.

He graduated from Lisbon High School and later earned his degree from Dakota Business College in Fargo, where he and the love of his life, Mavis Joy Robinson, were both students and met through mutual friends. They were married on December 8, 1962, in Leeds, North Dakota, and began their life together in Fargo.

Jerry’s early career with AAA took the young couple across the Upper Midwest before they moved “back home” to North Dakota in 1977. His work in Chamber of Commerce and economic development roles later brought the family to Minnesota and North Dakota communities they grew to love. In every place they lived, Mavis also worked in accounting and banking, making each new beginning a true partnership.

Jerry was a lifelong Lutheran who lived his faith quietly and sincerely. He rarely missed a Sunday, never missed grace before supper, and volunteered regularly — often singing in the choir and supporting the life of the church. He also served more than 25 years in the North Dakota National Guard in a band and chorus unit that traveled widely to perform for troops and the public. He returned each year from Guard camp with the same smile and the same story: that his musicians had again proven to be excellent marksmen.

Jerry was a gifted and practical builder who made life work with his hands — repairing engines, building what was needed, and teaching his children how to work with tools and think through problems. He was steady, loving, and constant. A well-known saying describes him perfectly: “A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail.”

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mavis; his children, Steward (Jean) Sandstrom and Rochelle Sandstrom; and his grandchildren, Jonathan (“Jack”) Sandstrom, William Sandstrom, Amilia (Hannah) Funkhouser, Oliver Knight, and Cecilia (Marissa) Knight-Hart. He is also survived by his sister, Marie (Loren) Erickson; His cousin, Sandra (Mark) Vee; his sister-in-law, Noreen (Wally) Bisbee; his brother-in-law, Darcy (Myrna) Robinson; and by a large and loving extended family — cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends who remained an important part of his life. Jerry was preceded in death by his sister, Gwen (Bernie) Schultz; his brother, Darrell Sandstrom; his cousin, Gloria Vee; and his parents, Edward and Gladys Sandstrom.

Jerry loved gatherings that brought people together.

A memorial service will be held at Bunker’s University Chapel in Mesa on December 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A funeral service will follow in Leeds, North Dakota, in late May or early June of next year.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.