Stanley Paul Sandman

Stanley Paul Sandman 88, of Hawley, MN, passed away on February 14, 2024, at Hawley Senior Living.

Stanley was born November 12, 1935 in rural Dale northeast of Hawley to Paul and Mary (Ericson) Sandman, in the same home he lived in nearly his entire life. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade, graduating from Hawley High School in 1953. He met the love of his life, Leatryce Troseth of Ulen, MN, when he was a young man, waiting until she graduated college to marry her on May 27, 1961. In 1965 they moved to the Sandman family farm where they raised their three children and enjoyed the peaceful setting until 2020 when they moved to an apartment in Hawley. They then transitioned to Hawley Senior Living in August 2022. 

Stanley started off his adult life farming his family land and was briefly in the Air National Guard during the Korean conflict. He worked at Ulven Sand & Gravel for a few years and eventually was hired by Sellin Bros Construction, working for decades as a heavy equipment operator, mechanic, and semi driver until he retired in 1997. He was a member of the 49ers Operating Engineer Union.

Stanley was known for his love of John Deere tractors, buying, collecting, and restoring many over the years, and was an active member of the Lake Agassiz Two-Cylinder Club. He was also a member of Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion at Rollag, MN for decades. As a child, his first language was Norwegian and he continued to speak Norwegian his entire life. Stanley and Leatryce took several trips to Norway and Sweden over the years, connecting with family and good friends there.

His strong Christian faith was central in his life, as a faithful member and active supporter first at Dale Covenant Church and most recently at Hawley Alliance Church. Stan will be remembered for always having a joke, smile, or story ready, making friends and engaging in friendly chats wherever he went.

Stanley is survived by his children, Steven and Mitzi (Paul Blechschmidt); grandchildren, Erica Sandman, Micah Sandman, Marie Sandman Tate, Lily Sandman, Zoey Blechschmidt, Piper Blechschmidt, and Graham Blechschmidt; and daughter-in-law, Connie Sandman Janke and her husband Kelly Janke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Roland; son Paul; and wife Leatryce.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 26, 2024, from 5-7pm with a prayer service at 6:30pm at Wright Funeral Home in Hawley, MN. The Memorial Service will be Wednesday, March 27, at 2pm, at Hawley Alliance Church. Burial will be at Dale Covenant Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion or Dale Covenant Cemetery.