Raymond “Dick” Sandberg

Raymond R. ‘Dick’ Sandberg of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home on January 11, 2022, days shy of his 89th birthday.

Dick was born January 23rd, 1933, in Decatur, Michigan, to the late Raymond and Helen (Wegner) Sandberg. Born into a large family of 10 brothers and sisters, there was always hard work and good family times to be remembered.

On February 25th, 1956, in Chicago, IL, Dick married Barbara Ann Dineen. They met while Barb visited her sister who had settled in Decatur, MI, continuing their courtship between Chicago, IL and Decatur, MI.

Dick was employed for many years at Goerlich in Dowagiac, MI, and many more at Tyler Refrigeration in Niles, MI as a spray painter. For years, the Tyler freezer cases painted by Dick could be seen in local grocery stores.

Dick and Barb very much enjoyed camping and travel seeing nearly all parts of our beautiful country. Many of these trips were taken with family and dear friends. Dick enjoyed a good hand of poker or euchre where, at annual family reunions, all the earnings from these card games would be thrown to the ground for all the little nieces and nephews to retrieve. Good times.

Dick was a volunteer firefighter with the Cass County Michigan Howard Township Fire Department for many years. Many good times with the fire department included smelt dipping with his fellow fire fighters, bringing home unbelievable amounts of these prized fish, which were then served at large fish fries hosted by Dick and Barb for family and friends.

Dick is survived by Barb, his wife of 65 years, daughter Sue and Son-in Law Joe Kane, of Bristol, IN, son Scott Sandberg, grandchildren Sam (Jessica) Domnoske, of Jimtown, IN, Sarah Kane of Elkhart, IN, Miranda Kane of Bristol, IN, and great grandchildren Jaden, Paiton, and Zachary. Dick is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Lillian (Pete) Anders, Ernie (Bev) Sandberg, Pat (Don) Bailey, Ed (Karen) Sandberg, and Kay Penrod. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters Bob, Betty, Jack Doris, Harriet, brother-in-law Jack Penrod, and loved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Dick honorably served the United States Army in the Korean War.

We want to thank Lakeland Hospital and Caring Circle Hospice. A sincere thank you to his loving nieces Peggy and Pam, and neighbors Bill and Cindy Coleman, and Kristi of Lakeland Home Care.

A graveside service for Dick with military honors will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Decatur, MI, on Saturday, January 29th at 11:00 a.m., with refreshments to follow at the Decatur VFW, 560 N Phelps St, Decatur, MI 49045.

For those who wish, donations can be made to the Salvation Army of Niles, MI, and the Cass County Howard Michigan Howard Township Fire Department, 2681 Detroit Rd, Niles, MI. 49120.

A Memorial Fish Fry will be held in Dick’s honor at Dick and Barb’s home in Spring 2022, TBD.