Dean C. Sandstrom, 90, of Monmouth, Illinois, died Friday, March 6, 2026, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, Illinois.
He was born on May 31, 1935, in Monmouth, Illinois, to C.V. Clarence and Ruth E. (Themanson) Sandstrom. Dean was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1953.
Following his graduation, Dean volunteered at the local draft board and later enlisted in the United States Army. He faithfully served with Headquarters Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Battalion, 25th Infantry Division from 1955 until 1957.
On March 2, 1958, Dean married Carolyn J. Swartout in Galesburg, Illinois. They shared many years together until Carolyn’s passing on August 8, 2009.
Dean spent much of his working life in the produce business, taking over the family enterprise, Sandstrom’s Produce, which had been established by his parents. After many years there, he began working at Gambles Skogmo Warehouse, where he was employed for 21 years. In later years, Dean also served as a custodian for the Monmouth Public School District #38 and later for the Monmouth Park District.
In his spare time, Dean enjoyed pursuing his lifelong fascination with locomotives and model railroading, a hobby that brought him great enjoyment throughout the years.
Dean was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church of Monmouth. He was also deeply involved in several organizations, including being a lifetime member of Masonic Lodge #37 A.F. & A.M. and the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #277. He was a charter member of the Warren County Genealogical Society and held lifetime memberships with both the Warren County Historical Society and the Galesburg Railroad Museum.
Surviving family members include his children, Catherine E. (David) Conry of Half Moon Bay, California, Sandra R. (Todd) Dasso of DeBary, Florida, Douglas D. (Sara) Sandstrom of Tampa, Florida, Stephen M. (Kimberly) Sandstrom of Monmouth, Illinois. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one brother, David Sandstrom of Roseville, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Funeral Services with Masonic rites will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, Illinois. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9-10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors will be in Monmouth Cemetery, Monmouth, Illinois. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church of Monmouth or Western Illinois Animal Rescue and can be sent to the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.