Lt. Col. Jack L. Sandberg, Ret., 83, died Friday, June 6, 2014 at Asbury Park in Newton, KS. He was born July 22, 1930 in Des Moines, IA. He was raised by parents Gus and Emma (Roop) Sandberg and his dear sister, Ruby and her husband, Vern Belles. On August 25, 1962 he married Alvera Severn in Lincoln, NE. Jack was a pilot in the USAF and flew over 350 missions including serving in the Viet Nam war as a Forward Air Controller. Upon retirement from the Air Force, he received his master’s degree (LMSW) from the University of Kansas. He began a new chapter as a marriage and family therapist/social worker and assisted many Vietnamese families with transitioning to their new homes in the Wichita area. Jack was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Order of Daedalians and was a former president of the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. He recently celebrated 50 years of volunteer service with Gideons, International. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Shocker baseball and basketball, Nebraska football, KU basketball and his grandchildren’s sports. Jack was a loving father, grandfather and husband and he looked forward to and appreciated spending time with his loving family and many friends.
Jack is survived by his wife, Alvera of Newton, KS; his children Jack and wife Sharona Sandberg of Marietta, GA; Julaire and husband Nick Sterbach of Shawnee, KS; Jennifer and husband Jim McClellan of Overland Park, KS; Jill-Leslie Sandberg of Wichita, KS; and his sister, Louise Rasmuson of Garner, IA; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral service with Air Force Honor Guard will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Country Acres Baptist Church located at 10th and N. Tyler road in Wichita, KS, with viewing and visitation an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Maize Park Cemetery, Maize, KS. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Petersen Funeral Home, 215 North Main, Newton, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Gideons International (www.gideons.org), Victory in the Valley (www.victoryinthevalley.com), or “JROTC Scholarship Fund of MOAA”. Donations can be made online or in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Julie, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
He sounded like a true hero.
you have our heartfelt sympathy.
Jodi and Dale Shaw
A true hero in deed. It sounds as though he will leave a legacy of love and honor. I know you will all miss him terribly but take comfort in each other and the beautiful memories he has given you. Sending love your way.
Jennifer–so deeply sadden to hear of your Father’s passing. Sounds like your Father had a powerful influence on your country. Stay strong, my friend. I know this is a very difficult time for you & your family. Know we are thinking of you.
Janice & Jeff Schippers
So sorry for your lost your family Will be in my thoughts and prayers. Heaven needed a good pilot and it got one
Jack/Julie:
My sincerest condolences to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Your father was a hero to our nation and more importantly the father to incredible children.
Scott Berg
Julie – so very sorry to hear about your Dad.
Heartfelt condolences.
Margaret
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Alvera. and your family as you say goodby to Jack. Heaven welcomed a true man of honor!