Jean C. Sandstrom

Jean was born in her childhood home to Ruth and Jabez Trebilcock, the third of five daughters. She was a 1944 graduate of National Mine High School and remained proud of her school and hometown her entire life. She was a member of a Girlfriends’ Club made up of high school friends, for over 50 years after graduation. Jean loved her parents and her sisters with all her being. She loved her Grandma Olien and while still in high school moved in with her to care for her. Chopping and carrying in wood and hauling water for her Grandma was part of her daily routine.

She was an avid bowler and swimmer throughout her entire life. She was an Ishpeming Hematite fan and never missed a game when her grandson Brett played basketball. In her younger years Jean enjoyed anything outdoors including: skiing, ski jumping, skating, playing ball, picking apples and jumping fences. She jumped her biggest and final fence here on earth this past Sunday.

In World War II, Jean, a Rosie the Riveter, worked in a converted auto parts factory in Flint, MI making and assembling machine guns. She took that job very seriously because she said the soldiers’ lives were depending on it. After that, she returned to her beloved Upper Michigan and spent the rest of her life here.

In November 1949 she married Robert Sandstrom and together they raised three children, Paul (Diana) Sandstrom, Donna Sandstrom, and Ruth (Robert) Truscott. She loved her children, and as mothers do, displayed that love in so many ways. She was our mother, our protector, and our role model.

Jean was an extra in the movie, Anatomy of a Murder, and with the money earned she and her husband began building their family camp. Many years were spent at Lake Arfelin, as it was the family’s summer weekend destination.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, her husband, Robert, two sisters, Edith (Bill) Coron, Betty (Joe) Chapman, brother-in-law, Leroy Paluszynski, sisters-in- law, Virginia (Norvin) Hampton, Donna Lundin, brother-in-law, Al St. Amour, niece, Peggy (Chapman) Johnson, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Paul (Mary) Sandstrom, Jr., and great-grandson, Brandon; Robert (Kim) Sandstrom, and great- grandchildren, Cooper, Sydney, and Faith; grandson, Brett Sandstrom and great- grandchildren, Camryn and Cailey, their mother Heather Sandstrom, and grandchildren, Alexis, Luke and Olivia Truscott. She is further survived by her sister, Joanne (Al) Kappes, and baby sister, Judy Paluszynski, sister- in-law, Jean St. Amour, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. How she loved them all!

Jean’s family would like to thank the entire staff of Marquette County Medical Care Facility, especially the 200 Wing whom she called her “angels” and to the many, as mom was passing, who took a moment to tell us they loved our mother. We could tell.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church of Ishpeming in celebration of Jean’s life. A special thank you to Pastor Warren Geier, who visited with mom regularly, and was with her and her children during the last two days of her life. Also, thank you to all who visited Jean, wrote letters, sent cards, flowers, or remembered her from afar as she spent her last two and a half years in the nursing home.

We ask when you think of our mother you remember her for her unconditional love, kindness, compassion, gentle, and generous spirit. She asked us not to be sad, so we ask the same of you.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming on Saturday, January 20, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. EST, the funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Rev. Warren Geier officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Jean’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.