Thomas George Sand
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On July 25, 2022 @ 12:36 pm In 2022,Obituaries | 55 Comments
Tom Sand, of Jordan, passed away July 23, 2022 at the age of 76. A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First St. W.) in Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service is Monday, August 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM with a time of gathering from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at Ridges Golf Course (21775 Ridges Drive) in Jordan. Tom will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Thomas George Sand was born on June 28, 1946 to Norbert & Lorraine (Reiland) Sand. Tom was the oldest of eight children. He loved growing up in Mazeppa with his siblings and cousins. At an early age, sports became an important part of his life, as he played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating from Mazeppa High School in 1964, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served on the USS Gurke for three years.
Following his military service, Tom attended Mankato State University where he pursued a degree in education. It was shortly after graduation that he met the love of his life, Sharon Czaplewski. Just two short years after meeting, Tom & Sharon were married on July 27, 1974. They soon learned that when two strong willed people are married, the art of compromise is a vital component. Their marriage was blessed with two wonderful children, Zach and Emily, and the years were filled with happiness and unconditional love. Tom and Sharon created a home filled with love and laughter.
In 1976, they moved to Jordan when Tom was hired as the middle school social studies teacher and football coach. He worked in both of these positions until his retirement. Teaching and coaching were Tom’s true calling, and he became a mentor to many colleagues and students. It was important for him to teach students and athletes how to think for themselves, become good citizens of the world, and share in his pride of the town and high school of Jordan. Tom also worked hard to support the union and helped his fellow teachers know their value and get the respect they deserved. Tom was very involved in JHS athletics. He was the varsity baseball coach for 13 years and is the winningest coach (133 wins) in Jordan history. He also served as assistant football coach for 29 years. Coach Sand was always very passionate about the game and competition, but most importantly, he wanted kids to learn how to play the game right. He believed in the powerful life lessons a person learns from being on a team and competing in a sport.
After retiring in 2005, Tom was able to pursue his hobbies. He enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, taking pictures, grilling, watching the birds, taking walks, and supporting his favorite Minnesota sports’ teams: the Vikings, the Twins, and the Gophers. He loved his family bonding weekends, tee times with his golf buddies, and a Bushmills and a good steak. Tom also has a special bond with each of his grandkids and spent as much time with them as possible. He loved playing with them, taking them on adventures, and attending as many of their activities as possible.
During summers, Tom spent most of his time on the golf course. He was a Golf Ranger at The Ridges at Sand Creek. Tom liked to stay busy in retirement. He subbed in the Shakopee and Jordan school districts and served as chair of Jordan’s Planning Commission. It was important for Tom to support the Jordan community.
Although Tom had many hobbies and interests, family was always the most important thing in his life. The early childhood bonds that he formed with his siblings grew to include their families as well. He was proud of his nieces and nephews. Tom also set a wonderful example for his kids and grandkids. He was known for his quick wit, strong opinions and endless curiosity. He loved talking with people, and he could give it as well as take it. Once a person met Tom, you usually didn’t forget him; and, once you were Tom’s friend, he was loyal to the very end.
After a short but determined battle with cancer, Tom passed away on July 23, 2022. During his illness, Tom and his family received excellent care from the staff at St. Francis Hospital and Cancer Center. His family will be forever grateful for their kindness, care and support.
Tom now lives on in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Zach (Carrie) Sand and Emily Stertz; grandkids, Nolan, Quinn, Liam, Maddie, Mackenzie and Morgan; siblings, Jon (Anne), Joe (Rhonda), Charlie (Sally), Dick (Cindy), George (Julie), Annie (Steve) Brunelle & Joan Sand; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Tom was preceded by his parents, Norbert & Lorraine Sand; nephew, Peter Sand; in-laws, Martin & Delores Czaplewski; sister-in-law, Judith Trunecek.
Offer Condolence for the family of Thomas George Sand
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Thomas George Sand”
Sharon and family- Tom will be greatly missed. I’m glad for the opportunity to know him through school.
Renelle
Sharon and family – I’m sorry for your loss. People were lucky to know Tom. He was a conversation starter, a man who listened well AND told great stories. He has left a legacy, and I’m fortunate to have known him. Prayers to you all as you grieve. Sending my love.
Sharon and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you. We are all so blessed to have had Tom in our lives. His legacy lives on in our school community and Jordan community, and I am so grateful to have called him friend. He will be truly missed!
Love and prayers from the Evenson Family
Sharon and Family,
I am so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. He was such a thoughtful and fun colleague to spend time with. I am so thankful that he was willing to take a few sub jobs at Shakopee HS after retirement so that I could get to know him a little. I will miss being with him.
Sharon, know that you are still deeply appreciated and missed as a friend and colleague.
May God be with you and your family through the grief and May He comfort you and bring you peace.
Sadness for the many many many former students and educator friends!! Only Tom could keep us rolling in laughter from ever topic possible. May all the great memories help carry you through the days ahead!
Barb & Merv Sheplee
Our Deepest Sympathy To The Sand family . He Will Be Missed By All Who New Him !!
Our Deepest Sympathy To All Of The Sand Family. He Will Be Missed By All. A Joy To Be Around !!!
My deepest sorrow and sympathy to Sharon and Kids on Tom’s passing. He was a good friend and just a really nice guy. He wil be missed.
Sharon.. Zach…and Em. …I am crying as I type this. I am absolutely so sad ! I loved Mr. Sand. Every single time I saw him was always the biggest smile and hug! I will Truly miss him!
Tom lit up any room when he walked into it—every single time. What a wonderful person. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the Sand family.
Ohhh…. it saddens me to learn of this. All the Sands were us Meyer boys neighbors growing up. My heart is with you all.
Tim
Our deepest sympathy to Sharon, Zach & Emily; I will miss him in walks through out the Jordan Area.
A great teacher, coach and person. Blessed to have known him. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Pat has never forgotten the golf swing tips Tom gave him at the Pete Sand Memorial. Can’t say it made him a better golfer, but Pat appreciated his efforts.
We wish you peace at this difficult time.
My prayers and love sent to you all.
Tom was definitely one of the reasons I stayed teaching in Jordan. He set such a great example for all wherever he went. His energy and love for people was contagious.
I will miss my mentor and friend.
May he live in each of us.
Love,
Lisa Ruehling
Sharon, Zach, Emily, and family…
I am so very sorry for your loss! Mr Sand (sorry, he will always be Mr Sand to me), was such a wonderful teacher, co-worker, and fellow coach. He always treated me and my girls with the utmost respect, and was always there for me to bend his ear when needed. I’m sending so much love, giant hugs, and prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
Love,
Heather
To the Family of Tom Sand.. THANK YOU for sharing him with me for many years. He was one of my favorite teachers in school and also one of the BEST coaches around. I loved talking with him whenever I got a chance to. Loved serving with him on the Community Education Board. He was one of the kindest men I have ever met and I said many times I wanted to grow up to be just like him. Whenever someone passes you always here the words “He was a good man”…….not in this case….”He was a GREAT man!” Prayers to the entire family during this difficult time.
I am saddened to hear of Tom’s sudden passing. Tom was an outstanding man. An absolute joy to be around and to visit with. His passion to do the right thing was infectious. A great family man, coach, teacher and community advocate. Thank you for being a great role model in all you did, Tom. I have great memories of you and will cherish them forever.
Tim Litfin
Sharon and family, So sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great coach, teacher and friend. He made all of us better when working with Him. Always liked seeing him on my trips back to Jordan.
Dear Sharon and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Sand’s passing. He was one of my favorite teachers. He was inspiring, encouraging, leading, challenging, feisty, and overall a great role model. He certainly had and will continue to have a place in my heart. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.
Peace and Love,
Jenna Robling Rodenz
Sharon and family,
Tom always brought his great smile when he came up to talk…about anything. I enjoyed his thoughts and ideas about coaching and education. I will miss him.
Sharon and Family,
Tom was such a great source of knowledge and great friendship throughout all my years in Jordan. He has left a lasting legacy in all of those his life touched.
So sorry to hear of Mr. sands passing he was a good man and very nice! My condolences to the family
Well, what can you say that hasn’t been said here? He was quite a guy! Passionate about sports, teaching, people, and life. I will always remember him for his advice and support throughout my career at JHS. He came to my retirement gig because he thought that meaningful…. wow, what an honor. I will always remember him and appreciate all he gave me.
This town will miss that smile. Always enjoyed his prescence. The conversations of ‘back in the day’ or ‘the football days’ will be missed. He was a great mentor. Very sorry for your great loss.
To Sharon, Zach, Emily and family,
I had the fortune to work with Tom in both Jordan and Shakopee Districts. He was always a man who both guided and supported others. He was witty and fun. And always sharing himself.
He will be missed.
Dear Sharon & family,
My heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. We are so sorry.
I think of Tom & all the guys at our house for fall golf, card & fellowship. I will miss him more than I say. God has His hands on him now. I know they are probably having some good talks too!
Tom was a beautiful person in so many ways.
Love to you & your beautiful family. See you this weekend.
Love you all, Bill & Linda
Dear Sharon, Zach and Em,
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a great person of character and integrity. I had the great fortune of teaching and coaching with him for many years. He taught me a lot about education, coaching and life. He had a quite a list of accomplishments and well deserved. He will be greatly missed!
I am saddened to learn of the death of Tom Sand. Tom always provided a big presence wherever is was. Tom was a wonderful colleague and a good friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Please accept my condolences.
Tom will forever hold a place of reverence in my heart.
Summer of 1964 I shared the Navy boot-camp experience with Tom at NTC Great Lakes Company 283. He was a great guy and even though time seemed tough we had laughs. Receiving 14 days leave after completing boot camp we returned to Minneapolis via train. My dad gave Tom a ride to the Gray Hound bus station where Tom got a bus to Mazeppa. That was the last time I saw Tom and wondered how his tour went and how his life panned out. He was a positive influence. A Good Guy I will always remember.
This is so neat. Thanks Ken.
Sincere Sympathy & hugs to the family of Tom Sand- Tom will never be forgotten as he lived life to the fullest & his roots are from Mazeppa!
No words can describe the loss of Tom to so many, many of us who had the privilege to know him. He was special and one of a kind. He was very passionate about the things that he under took: whether it was teaching, coaching, dedication to the community or the love of his family. Our deepest sympathy.
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you, Sharon, Zach, Emily and to Tom’s brothers and sisters. My thoughts are with you all.
Sue Bartholome (cousin)
I am So Sorry for your families loss.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you a Big Hug Mrs. Sand.
Jodi Lee Stoltzman-Hennes
Tom’s presence was always larger than life! I will always remember him with kindness, and someone who was willing to help and offer advice to all teachers. I loved when I got to observe in his classroom, because as a teacher, he was the best! I was in awe, as were his students; he always made it look so easy! Hugs to you, Sharon, Zach , Emily and his beautiful grandkids. Tom was one of a kind, and he will be missed.
Dear Sharon and family,
My heart goes out to you. Nathan and I both remember working with Tom at SHS. He always had a good story to share and made everyone feel welcome. He will be missed.
CarolAnn and Nathan Hook
Sharon and family/ so very sorry for your loss. Sharon- my heart and prayers for you/ the loss of your sister and now Tom. God bless you with strength!
Dear Sand Family,
Sending condolences during this difficult time.
Nancy and I are so very sorry your loss Sharon. Tom was such a big part of our Jordan experience. Prayers to you and your family from thr Wittman family.
The loss of Gunner breaks my heart, he was a dear high school friend, always ready to have fun. I remember history or social studies classes in particular with him. Any time the instructor called out a question Tom did not raise his hand. He knew if no one had the correct response our teacher would call on him. He always answered correctly. I can easily image him in his own classroom, inspiring students. I’m so sorry he is gone!
We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Sand’s passing. He was always such a joy to be around and learn from. Losing a dad is the absolutely worst – so sorry guys!
Love, Tony and Tasha Herrgott
Dear Sand family,
So sorry for the loss of Tom. Amazing to think of all the lives he had a positive impact on through teaching, coaching, and other parts of his life. Growing up in Mazeppa just down the street from the Sand family, though many years ago, such fond memories of Lorraine and all of her family and their spouses. I smile & laugh with gratitude, thinking of their warmth, kindness, humor & fun. Tom & our Mom Lorraine carpooling to Zumco in Tom’s Ford Falcon, dropping me off at “daycare”. Mom & our Dad, George, and our family loved Lorraine and the Sand family so much! Sometimes they babysat us, we visited Annie at MSD in Faribault, Mom always wanted to know where & how all Lorraine’s kids were doing. Going to Tom & Sharon’s wedding in Winona was a big deal! I believe Tom “Gunner” & Sharon “Chopper” taught in Beardsley way back? Mom absolutely had to watch the Jordan HS Hubmen football team on TV in the Prep Bowl – she kept looking for Tom! We’ve always enjoyed seeing any Sand family over the years. Our sons Peter & Mitchell had Ben briefly as a teacher & coach. We are so thankful that Peter & Mitchell were blessed to receive the Peter Sand Memorial Scholarship this past Spring. Both Lorraines were smiling from heaven with their coffee & cigarettes!
May God’s peace & love comfort you as you mourn Tom’s loss, celebrate his life, and cherish his memory.
Much love to you all,
Pat Sketie Meyer
Sharon and Family,
While our encounters were brief, I felt connected to Tom (and Sharon) immediately. I could feel the love throughout your home my first visit while Zach was home.
Hold that love close in these days and months to come. You have a remarkable family.
I am blessed to have met you guys.
Many blessings.
Sarah R.
Allina Home Care RN
I was so sorry to hear of your loss, Sharon and family. I always enjoyed talking to Tom about sports. We had a lot of the same philosophy in coaching and teaching. He was a wonderful friend and we had may sporting experiences, especially coaching baseball. Tom was a great role model to kids and will be missed but always remembered.
Sad to hear passing of Tom. Always enjoyed seeing , talking visiting with Tom. Great teacher, coach, he loved the game of baseball.
Sharon, Zack, Emily and the rest of the family. I have reflected so many times since yesterday about the beauty of the funeral celebration of life that you had for Tom. I can’t think I’ve ever been to anything as wonderful! Thank you for sharing all the beautiful stories your lovely moments that you shared and the awesome toast. The honor guard ceremony was so touching brings back many memories of people that we have celebrated in our lives. We hope you hold your memories dear keep them close to your heart keep the stories alive for the grandchildren and know that we are here for you. Blessings to all of you.
Dear Sharon and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was such a great guy, full of fun when I knew him from our Mazeppa days. I read of his career as a teacher and coach and how much he inspired those around him. My condolences to Tom’s family and all of the Sand family.
Jody Darcy Huntley.
Sand Family,
Sorry for your loss. “Coach” Sand was a great influence on so many student athletes including myself. He would raise your intensity during the game or practice and then make you relax and laugh afterwards. I didn’t know until reading the obituary that he was in the Navy, but it makes sense given his commitment to volunteerism and public service. His purposeful life will not be forgotten.
My condolences,
Pete Senske
To Tom’s Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s death. I was a classmate of Tom’s in elementary and high school and remember his humor, strong opinions and friendship with so many in our little school. May God give you comfort and peace as you mourn Tom’s passing.
To the Sand family,
My sympathy to your family. Tom was one of our older cousins and had to be the father in their family after his dad died. We Arendts all ways enjoyed having fun with Tom when we got to Mazeppa. I think Tom also had fun visiting our farm. I am sure he will be missed. You have our prayers. Don
My thoughts and prayers for the Sand family for your loss! Mr. Sand was one of my favorite teachers at JHS and will be greatly missed!
Kelly (Young) Porter
Mrs Sand I am extremely sorry for your loss of Tom. I met him only once and but he was the nicest man I’ve ever met. If you need someone to talk to during this extremely difficult time, I’m always here because you are the absolute best friend ever. My condolences. Love, Alex Bradford
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/thomas-george-sand/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
Dearest Sharon and Family,
Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to you and your family on Tom’s passing. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Deb and John Malone