Dean C. Sandstrom

Dean C. Sandstrom, 90, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg, Illinois.

Born on May 31, 1935, in Monmouth to C.V. Clarence and Ruth E. (Themanson) Sandstrom, Dean was raised and educated in his hometown, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1953. He volunteered at the local draft board before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served faithfully with Headquarters Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division from 1955 to 1957.

On March 2, 1958, Dean married Carolyn J. Swartout in Galesburg, Illinois. They shared a loving marriage until her passing on August 8, 2009. Dean carried on the family business, Sandstrom’s Produce, which his parents had established, before working for 21 years at Gambles Skogmo Warehouse. In later years, he served as a custodian for Monmouth Public School District #38 and the Monmouth Park District.

Dean held a lifelong passion for locomotives and model railroading that brought him quiet joy throughout his life. A devoted member of First Lutheran Church of Monmouth, he was also a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge #37 A.F. & A.M. and the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #277. He was a charter member of the Warren County Genealogical Society and held lifetime memberships in the Warren County Historical Society and the Galesburg Railroad Museum.

He is survived by his children, Catherine E. (David) Conry of Half Moon Bay, California, Sandra R. (Todd) Dasso of DeBary, Florida, Douglas D. (Sara) Sandstrom of Tampa, Florida, and Stephen M. (Kimberly) Sandstrom of Monmouth, Illinois; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his brother, David Sandstrom of Roseville, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.