Darrel T. Sandvig

Darrel T. Sandvig, age 87, of Moorhead, MN died peacefully on Sunday, May 30, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Darrel Thomas Sandvig was born on September 25, 1933, at his family farm in Ranson County, ND to Andrew and Clara (Anderson) Sandvig. He graduated from Sheldon High School with the class of 1951. He went on to serve in the Army from 1955 to 1958 when he was honorably discharged.

Darrel married the love of his life, Ardis Carlson, on August 5, 1955, at Fort Belvoir, VA. A true love story, Darrel and Ardis moved to Moorhead after he was discharged from the Army, and raised five children together in the same house where they continued to live until his passing. Darrel worked at Fairway Foods in Fargo until his retirement in 1993 after 35 years. He kept himself busy (and out of Ardis’ hair!) in retirement by working part-time at Berg Auto for 25 years.

Darrel was a loving and dedicated husband and father. His devotion to his family was apparent, supporting his children in all they did, and encouraging them in his own quiet (but no-nonsense) way. He was humble, and to his family, Darrel was a treasure. He loved to dance, and Sundays always brought country music, church, and polka on the radio – all in that order.

Darrel was known to tease people, whether it was family, the office ladies at church, or the nurses who took care of him. His big smile was only surpassed by the twinkle in his eyes when he was giving you a hard time.

Darrel was able to take a dream trip to Norway upon his retirement, and he often spoke about the natural wonders he saw and the people he encountered. He was also an avid collector, amassing an impressive collection of vintage toy tractors and trucks, model semis, and coins. With the sounds of Classic Country (Waylon and Willie were favorites) in the background, he often could be found researching and recording information about potential toy acquisitions.

Darrel was a deeply dedicated and loyal member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served as an usher for several decades, actively supported church youth programs, and appreciated the friends he had within the church community.

Darrel is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ardis; children, Robin (Kevin) Johnson of Moorhead; Ryan (Ayako) Sandvig of Moorhead; Randi Kautz of Mille Lacs, MN; Rory (Susan Welo) of West Fargo, ND; and Rea (Jeremy) James of Long Lake, MN; grandchildren, Tyler (Quinn) Johnson, Zachary (Tarah) Johnson, Linzee Johnson, Justin (Hannah) Mittet, Jordan (Carley) Mittet, Jennifer (Brandon) Larson, Connor Sandvig, Cody Sandvig, Iris Erickson, Audrey James, and Lila James; great-grandchildren, Sloane, Griffin, and Cooper Johnson, Brooks Johnson, Peyton Mittet, Kendra Larson, and Hadley Mittet.

Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings. His loyal and steadfast dog, Abby, died earlier this year; there is no doubt she was among the first to greet him in Heaven, ready for a walk and a treat – though not necessarily in that order.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 11:00 A.M., with a visitation starting one hour before, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead. A livestream of the service will be available here on Darrel’s page.