Elmer “Sandy” Sandmeier passed away on 6/7/17 at Vienna Rehab in Lodi, after a long illness. Born in Long Lake, SD, to Edward & Adelia (Gohl) Sandmeier, eldest of 2 boys, he was raised on the farm speaking German. In 1950 while serving in South Dakota National Guard, he and his brother were called up to serve in the Army in Alaska, during the Korean Conflict, where he learned to cook for huge groups. Before serving, he married Lyla Stockwell in Aberdeen, SD. They had 5 children, the last 3 born in Lodi.
Sandy’s true love was flying. After riding a crop dusting bi-plane at age 12, he took lessons in Lodi and flew anything he got his hands on, becoming a rated pilot instructor. An Aeronca at Lind’s field was where he taught his kids to fly, yelling “contact” after cranking the propeller, trusting his kids to start the engine when they were old enough to reach the pedals. After teaching Karen Pearson to fly, they were married in Stockton. After retiring from motor home sales in Manteca, he retired to Avery/Arnold area, enthusiastically enjoying the community and snow birding in their motor home “Moby-Dick”. Joining all the lodges, including Lions and Elks, Sandy enjoyed cooking for the masses at fund raisers & BBQ’s. Sandy gently cared for her till she passed from her long time bout with Alzheimer’s.
Sandy is survived by his brother Otto (Carmen) of Lodi, his children: Jane of Los Angeles, Doug of Lodi, Scott (MiRan) of Los Angeles, Cathy (Jeff) Tonks of Fair Oaks, and Lori Tarin of Graeagle, step children, Cindy (Mark) Seaman, Cathy (Duane) Westcot, Ron (Mary) Pearson, his 1st wife Lyla Ragar of Lodi, nine grandchildren: Bridget Marquardt, Eddie Sandmeier, Briana Frasnelli, Stephanie and Jakob Sandmeier, Wesley (Christina) Nilssen and Melissa Nilssen, Cassandra and Nicholas Tarin, three step grandchildren Amanda Tonks, Diana (Duncan) Adam, & Grayson Tonks, and two great grandchildren, Cole Nilssen of Sacramento & Clara Frasnelli of Virginia. Also nieces and cousins, and his many good friends in Arnold.
The family wishes to thank the staff of DaVita Dialysis, Vienna Rehab and Hospice of San Joaquin for their wonderful care. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Interment will be at VA National Cemetery in Dixon.