James "Jim" Henry Sandmann

James “Jim” Sandmann of Morgan died of cancer at the age of 81 on June 7, 2011 in his home. With the help of Hospice, Jim was able to realize his wish to be surrounded by his family, listening to them talk, laugh and reminisce during the last months of his life. A private family service has been held with Pastor Scott Jakel officiating. A public visitation, gathering and remembering time will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 2 until 5 p.m. from the Morgan United Methodist Church. In keeping with his long time love of sports in general, and for the Minnesota Gophers in particular, Jim had requested his family wear Gopher shirts or Gopher colors as they gather to remember and celebrate his life. The family invites those who join them at the public gathering to also dress in Maroon and Gold.

Arrangements are with Nelson-Martin Funeral Service of Morgan. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelsonmartinfuneralservice.com .

James Henry Sandmann, the son of Elmer and Verna (Linse) Sandmann, was born May 29, 1930 in Eden Township, Brown County, Minnesota. Growing up on the family farm east of Morgan, Jim attended District 57 Country School and then Morgan High School. In school, Jim was involved in basketball, baseball and his favorite sport, football, where he was known as Jim “Crazy Legs” Sandmann. After graduating from high school in 1948, Jim attended the University of Minnesota on a football scholarship and played under Bernie Bierman. In 1950, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and served for 3 ½ years during the Korean conflict.

After leaving the Air Force, Jim returned to Morgan and began farming on the farm where he was raised. He married Doris Ann Kirschstein on June 5, 1954, and over the years the couple raised six children on that farm. In 1970, Jim decreased his involvement with farming and began working for the Minnesota Department of Weights and Measures, where he remained until his retirement in 1995. During this time, Jim was actively involved in the Morgan Lion’s Club, the VFW, and the Sports Booster Club for the local school, assisting and serving these organizations in several ways. Jim was also deeply involved with the Morgan United Methodist Church and modeled for his children a deep faith in and love for God. Family was very important to Jim and he loved large family gatherings and playing with grandchildren and great grandchildren. The grandchildren cuddled and napped on grandpa’s lap, and all received “crawling” lessons.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Ann, of Morgan; and his children Kathy (Scott) Potter of Morgan, Bob (Monica) Sandmann of Morgan, Sharon (Kevin) Hyland of Austin, Lori Sandmann of Morgan, Jeff (Kareen) Sandmann of Urbandale, Iowa, and Julie (Kirk) Friesner of New Ulm; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister Elnor (George) MacDonald of Emily, brother Richard (Beverly) Sandmannof Champlin; sisters-in-law Shirley Sandmann of St. Cloud, and Lois Kirschstein of Morgan, and brother-in-law Urban Fischer. He was preceded in death by his brother Armin Sandmann, sister Lois Fischer, and brother-in-law Elmer Kirschstein.

Blessed be his memory.