Gerald R. Sandey, age 84, of Jordan, MN, entered eternal life on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, in Minneapolis, MN.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 20, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First Street, Jordan, with an additional visitation on Wednesday, December 21, from 10-10:45 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, at 11 am, at St. Patrick of Cedar Lake Township Catholic Church, 24425 Old Highway 13 Blvd, Jordan. Father Michael Miller will preside, with pall bearers of Mitchell Sandey, Nolan Sandey, Calvin Sandey, Eric Michels, Alex Sandey and Scott Sandey. Gerald will be laid to rest at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery.
Gerald lived a full life committed to his family, his friends, and his beloved Jordan community. This was apparent in his community involvement, dreams, love of socializing, and deep faith. Gerald Raymond was born on June 29, 1938, in Minneapolis, MN, to Raymond and Marie (Trulen) Sandey. The oldest of four, he grew up in South Minneapolis, where Gerald graduated from Roosevelt High School, in 1956. He then furthered his education earning an associate degree at the U of M.
After college, Gerald enlisted into the United States Navy. He had a dream of flying jets. On January 25, 1961, his adventures began, in flight training, and later achieved “Flying Solo”. Unfortunately, Gerald had a traumatic car accident and could no longer serve. He was honorably discharged on February 14, 1962.
As a young boy, Gerald dreamt of being a farmer. He often rode his bike to South St. Paul to watch the cattle being handled at the stockyards. Later, Gerald also helped at the University of Minnesota with barn chores. This lifelong dream came true, in 1962, when he purchased a farm in rural Jordan. He relished tending to the crops and beef cattle throughout the years. It was on this same farm, Gerald shared his passion and life with his bride, Anna Mae Wendling. They were married on February 20, 1965, at St. John Catholic Church, in Independence, IA. Gerald and Anna soon were blessed with two sons, Chad and Raymond. Raising a family and farming completed his lifelong dream of farm life. In 2001, his son, Chad purchased the farm and is now continuing the legacy.
Besides family and farming, Gerald’s dedication ran deep within the Jordan community. For 42 years, he enjoyed promoting the value of the city to potential residents, through Sandey Real Estate Service. Often, Gerald would load prospective buyers in his car and drive around the community highlighting all that Jordan had to offer – best known as “Gerry Tours.” He worked side by side with wife Anna and later, son Raymond, and built a very successful real estate business. Gerald was involved with the Commercial Club, Lion’s Club, President of the Spring Lake-Prior Lake Watershed and a founding member of the Jaycees. He was also very active at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for decades, as a sacristan, lector, usher, and greeter.
On May 31, 2004, Gerald’s life changed with the passing of Anna. It took him some time to learn all the different ways she supported him in his personal and business life. After retiring, Gerald helped his family, by stopping at Chad and Ray’s homes to walk the dogs, check on the cattle, and just making sure things were OK. Throughout his life, Gerry often met for coffee to catch up with the latest news. He also stopped by the local watering holes to visit with people, his conversations will be greatly missed!
The legacy of Gerald now lives on in the sons he loved, Chad (Emily) Sandey, Ray (Rhonda) Sandey; grandchildren, Mitchell (Breanna) Sandey, Nolan Sandey, Calvin Sandey, Eric (Mei) Michels, Alex (Sara) Sandey; great grandchildren, Arya Michels, Jayme Sandey; siblings, Jim Sandey, Diane Lehman, Tim (Patti) Sandey; other relatives and friends.
Greeting Gerald in eternal peace is his wife, Anna; infant son, Jon Karl Sandey; parents, Raymond and Marie and brother-in-law; Gary Lehman.
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Kyra and Dan Schmidt
Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Gerry. Wishing you comfort in all the wonderful memories you have. He was kind, funny and easy going, and his presence will definitely be missed. Hugs to you all.
Eric Gannon
So sorry for your loss, He was a great guy. Thinking of all the family during this sad time.
Gen Gannon
I’m so very sad to hear about our loss of Gerry. He will be grately missed.
Al and Mary Schroeder
Wow we remember the “Gerry Tour” he gave us 50 years ago! He helped us fall in love with Jordan. He will be missed! You all have our deepest condolences.
Dave and Margie Thieschafer
Chad, Emily and the entire Sandey family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kevin Anderson
I am so sorry for your loss. I fell
in love with this wonderful man
and it was an honor to call him my friend.
Wade Fradenburgh
Growing up across the field from the Sandey family and riding the school bus with Ray and Chad we were all part of the Lydia airport family. I worked with Gerry’s Navy flight instructor back in the 80’s and he said Gerry was the best pilot he ever trained and was heart broke that his career ended because of the car accident.
From the Fradenburgh family to the Sandey family we send our heart felt condolences. God bless you all.
Gary and Kris Luen
We enjoyed every visit we had with Gerry. He would always greet us with “Hi Guys” isn’t a great day. We talked farming and every other subject that crossed our minds. Played a few games of cribbage too. Such a kind and joyous man to be around. We will miss him dearly
Gary and Kris Luen
Larry warden
Gerry is on our bookshelf next to the tv ;he is captured in a photo from JCT “Rally around the flag”,so I look at him every day .it is comforting to know that he touched so many lives. Our sympathies to all.Larry and Mary Warden
Jim and Geri Mages
We mourn the loss of our dear friend here at home, while the funeral is taking place at St. Patrick’s Church, disappointed that we must be careful because of our handicaps in this weather instead of honoring Gerry at the church. We will cherish our memories of this dear man. Jim and Geri Mages