James Sandfort

James Allen “Jim” Sandfort, age 69 of North Hudson WI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at United Hospital in Saint Paul MN. Jim was born April 17, 1945 in Baldwin WI to parents George Christian and Rena Floreen (VanSomeren) Sandfort. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Ellen Nelson on April 20, 1968. Their union in marriage would be blessed with two daughters, and 46 years of devotion to each other.

Jim put himself through college by doing many odd jobs. Though his disliked painting the most, he persevered and it was a testament to his character and strong work ethic. Jim graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School in 1963, and furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. With a career waiting for him at 3M, and the draft for the Vietnam War affecting many men of his generation, Jim enlisted for six years in the National Guard in order to serve his country.

Outside of work, Jim loved the outdoors, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time at the cabin, and taking his grandchildren water skiing and tubing. Jim also loved to play cards, was a talented woodworker, and kept bees for six years. Jim had a strong faith, balanced with a great work ethic and sense of humor, and a true love for family. Jim was a member of the Hudson Rod & Gun Club, a former North Hudson Village Board member, and an active member for of Bethel Lutheran Church for over 42 years. He will missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marge; daughters, Carrie Treptow of North Hudson, and Katie (Anthony) Stitt of Baldwin; granddaughters, Madi and Sophie Treptow, and Hannah and Courtney Stitt; brothers, Ron (Joan) of Menomonie, and Randy (Joyce) of Neillsville; mother-in-law, Margaret Nelson of Woodville; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Birdsong of Sacramento CA, and Judy (Duane) Veenendaal of Baldwin; brother-in-law, Bob (Terry) Nelson of Minneapolis MN; aunts, Rozella Fern and Vi Gordon; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rena Sandfort; and father-in-law, Roger Nelson.

Funeral Services for Jim Sandfort will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Bethel Lutheran Church Downtown Campus, 920 Third Street in Hudson, with Pastor John Lestock officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Bethel Highlands Columbarium and Memorial Garden. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church, and also from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday evening at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11th Street South in Hudson. Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church, or the donor’s choice. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson WI. 715-386-3725