Robert L Sandvig

Mankato Mortuary
507-388-2202

Dr. Robert "Sandy" Sandvig, age 87 of Mankato, beloved husband, father of three and grandfather of nine died peacefully at his home on November 25, 2010.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 3, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato with Rev. Dawn Carder officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour before the service at the church on Friday.

Bob was born in Lead, South Dakota on September 11, 1923 to Julia Rosette (Pederson) and Peder Martin Sandvig. He was valedictorian of Lead High School Class of 1941. Bob served in WW II as a Navy Ensign and served on the USS Quincy until 1946. After obtaining his PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bob accepted a position at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology where he began a lifelong commitment to his passions: science and teaching. The relationship he had with his students is best summarized in a letter one of his former students wrote upon Dr. Sandvig's retirement, " he was a scientist, engineer, educator, counselor " and most of all a friend." He served as professor and later Department Head for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering until his retirement in 1987.

He married N. June Oleson on July 29, 1957 in Rapid City, SD where they raised three daughters. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church serving as clerk of session for many years. He transferred his membership to the First Presbyterian Church in Mankato, MN when he moved to be closer to his oldest grandchildren. He was also a lifetime member of the Scottish Rite.

After retirement he continued to foster his love for science and teaching as he volunteered at a local elementary school where the students knew him as "Grandpa Bob" as he gave an annual demonstration to the fifth and sixth grade classes on the laws of chemistry.

He was a kind and gentle man; a devoted husband, father and grandfather who had a special ability to make everyone laugh. He loved spending time with his family, fishing and cribbage.

Bob survived by his wife of 53 years June; three daughters Linda (Brad) Leiding of Lake Crystal, MN, Kellie (Mike) Williams of Huntsville, AL and Julie (Ken) Young of Peoria, AZ; eight granddaughters Jenni (Joel) Spangenberg, Jess (Mathias) Phelps, Jessica Crane, Jacquie Crane, Erin Leiding, Nikki Williams, Shelby Young, and Danika Young; one grandson Corey Robert Williams; sister-in-law Anne Sandvig; brother in-law Jim (Jeanne) Oleson; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Morris Sandvig of Aurora, MN.