Eric Gustav Sandstrom's Obituary
Eric Gustav SandstromEric Sandstrom, born September 22, 1920 to August Eric Sandstrom and Eleanor W. Olson in Mankato, MN, passed away November 3, 2003 in Tacoma, WA. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all. He never failed to look for the best in others and give the best of himself in return.In February 1942, Eric proudly joined and served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in F Company, 21st regiment, 3rd Marine Division in Guadalcanal, Bouganville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. He was wounded on Guam, recovered, and returned to his unit on Iwo Jima, where he was again wounded. He returned home and joined the reserves and was medically discharged 4 years later. Eric was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He left Minnesota to move to a warmer climate; he stopped in Tacoma to visit his sister and decided to stay. It was in the northwest that he started his business, Sandstrom Signs, in Lakewood. He continued to work until his retirement in 2002.Throughout his busy life he dedicated his time to the care of Veterans, dedicating himself to the VFW. Eric joined VFW Post #969 in Tacoma and progressed through the chairs to Commander of Post 969, 3rd District Commander, State Commander, Chairman of the Western Conference, National Council Member, and he then proudly attained national recognition by becoming the Commander in Chief of the VFW, 1978-79.Eric was also a member of the American Legion #138, MOC, TY-E 13, DAV, the Marine Corps league, the Third Marine Division Association, the Puyallup Elks, served on the Washington State GovernorÂ's Advisory Committee and served on the Board for Tahoma National Cemetery. He set many goals for himself and in the eyes of his friends and family accomplished them all.Eric was preceded in death by his mother and father, and grandson, Mike Pugliese.He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Allie; children, Jeannette Sessler (Chuck), Jerry Sandstrom, and Lori Harrell; stepdaughters, Judy Pugliese and Kathy Perkins (John); 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters, Florence Rosenbladt and Alice Poppe; sister-in-law, Mary Romine; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was loved and will be missed by all. A special thank you is to be extended to Dr. Baker and Dr. Lapin and their staff for the wonderful care provided to Eric before his passing.Visitation will be from 11 A.M. until 9 P.M., Thursday, November 13th and Friday November 14th at Mt. View Funeral Home.Services will be held at 2 P.M., Saturday, November 15, 2003 at the Mt. View Celebration of Life Center. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eric Sandstrom Memorial Fund, c/o Past CommanderÂ's Club, Post #969, 3510 McKinley Ave., Tacoma, WA 98404.
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