It is with great sorrow the family of William Blaine Sandoval, age 71, of New Richmond shares the news of his passing at Lakeview Hospital on October 17, 2021.
Blaine was born January 29, 1950 to William and Elaine (Street) Sandoval in Mullens, West Virginia. Early in his life, Blaine learned to overcome adversity when he was diagnosed with polio, crippling his leg. Always determined, he was active never considering himself disabled. Blaine’s family made their way to Green Bay, Wisconsin where he spent the majority of his upbringing.
Despite his malady he was active in sports, horseback riding and hunting. He graduated from DePere High School, the class of 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Peters in 1969, and they were blessed with three children: Tricia, Tara, and Adam. During this time Blaine’s primary employment was with Ft. Howard Paper Company.
It was through his friends at Ft. Howard that he met Jackie Gordon. Although Blaine moved from the Wisconsin area, their love survived long distance and on May 29, 1993, they were married. Through many corporate moves, they eventually transferred to the Midwest. Together they enjoyed family, travel and the accumulation of many friends globally.
Blaine was blessed with the gift of gab. He prided himself on winning people over, going above and beyond in his customer service skills. As a salesman at heart, his biggest work achievements were the relationships he established with the military bases in Georgia as well as his career with Hydra-Flex of Minnesota.
He was his wife’s biggest supporter as her career took them to 11 different cities during their almost 40 year relationship. Blaine and Jackie achieved their dream together when they purchased their second home in Idaho, where they were able to entertain countless friends, family, and guests for several years.
A horrific auto accident in 2010 ultimately diagnosed him with tetraplegia. His lifetime determination gave him the courage to persevere through intensive rehabilitation. Often, Blaine pondered the meaning of this life tragedy. His courageous attitude afforded him the honor of inspiring others with disabilities. He spoke at events teaching others how he was able to strengthen his diaphragm again. Nothing ever stopped Blaine from living life to the fullest. He will forever be an inspiration for others.
Blaine’s true passion was his family. He was a proud father, and even more proud as a grandpa. No activity was too much when spending time with his family. Such as being able to dance with his oldest daughter at her wedding (with assistance of standing wheelchair), mentoring his grandsons in the art of hunting and fishing, and supporting his son’s national charity. Blaine and Jackie planned several Family Vacations that continued even after his accident. All of this and much more gave him a sense of purpose. Blaine had the utmost dedication, pride and love for his family.
Blaine will remain in the hearts of his wife, Jackie; children: Tricia (Charles) Kuhns, Tara (Ronnie) Van Den Heuvel, and Adam (Ashley Watson) Sandoval; grandchildren: Cadell Van Den Heuvel, Broderick Van Den Heuvel, Charlotte Rose Van Den Heuvel, Lillian Van Den Heuvel, and Ella Sandoval; siblings, Tammy (April Church) Sandoval and Jon Sandoval; sisters-in-law, S. Dianne Gordon, Sue Sandoval; former wife, Marcia (Dan) Tyler; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and supporters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elaine Sandoval; brothers, Wayne and James; and many aunts and uncles.
A Gathering of Family and Friends for Blaine will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Riverbend Event Center, River’s Edge, 1820 Raleigh Rd., New Richmond, WI. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., which will include a tribute by his Masonic Lodge. An “Open Mic” will allow everyone to share their Blaine stories during lunch following the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Blaine’s honor to assist those with disabilities – please click HERE to send donations.
