Ronald Robert Sandbom

Ronald Robert Sandbom, age 88, went home to be with the Lord on January 26, 2025. He was born on August 19, 1936, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Ronald was a man of God who loved the Lord. His faith was unshakeable and his love for people was endless. He was a true family man who loved his family fiercely. He truly lived by 2 Timothy 4:7, which said: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” He loved and served his country for over 24 years. His service career began on July 12, 1955, with a three-year tour of duty with the US Army, 18 months of which were spent in Korea. He was released from active duty and transferred to the US Army Reserve on July 1958 where he remained until September 1959 when he was discharged for the purpose of enlisting in the US Coast Guard. He enlisted in the US Coast Guard at the Recruiting office in New Orleans and has been on a continuous active duty since that time. He was a Chief Petty Officer E7 Radio Man with expert morse code experience which gave him top secret clearance with the military. During that period, he had served at the following units: Cape May, NJ; Groton, CT; Algiers, LA; Alameda, CA; Honolulu, HI; Guam; St. Louis, MO; Galveston, TX; San Juan, PR; and his final assignment at Cape May, NJ. During his career he earned many awards, National Defense Service Medal, US Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal with three Bronze Stars, US Coast Guard Unit Commendation Ribbon, .45 caliber Expert Pistol Shot Medal and Expert Rifle Shot Medal. In June 1977, he served at the Training Center as an instructor in the Training Division and performed all assigned duties in a commendable manner. You promoted peace and stability for this Nation, the people of this Nation are forever grateful. He was survived by his wife Patricia Holder Sandbom; his ex-wife Lillian Laird Williams; his children, Suzann Blades (John), Timothy Sandbom, Sherri Smith (Colin), Terri Brown, Theodore Sandbom (Stephanie); brother, Ricky Sandbom (Sandy); sister, Nancy Nichols; grandchildren, David Malone, Austin Blades, Desiree Sandbom, Rd Sandbom, Jennifer House, Kelly Hubert Price, Bradley Brown, Nicholas Brummer, and Baily Sandbom; and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Sandbom; mother, Jane Sandbom; brothers, Dewayne and Bobby Sandbom; and great-grandson, Brandon Brown. Our father always said, “I’ll meet you in the rapture”. Dad we miss you and love you and we will see you again. You will be forever missed by your family. Revelation 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed.” A private visitation and burial will be held.

Tributes

Ronald Robert Sandbom

August 19, 1936 - January 26, 2025