Veryl "Sandy" Sanderson

Veryl (Sandy) Sanderson, 65, of Ankeny died 08/17/10 of Lung Cancer. A Celebration of Life Open House will be between 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, 08/20/10, at the Ankeny Presbyterian Church, 317 S.E. Trilein Drive, Ankeny.

Sandy was born Nov. 5, 1944, at Algona, adopted at birth by Vern and Bertha Sanderson. He attended school at Hansell through his junior year, graduating in the first consolidated senior class from Hampton in 1962. He graduated from Ellsworth Junior College at Iowa Falls with an Associate of Arts degree. He also attended Colorado University, the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University.

Sandy began his career in journalism at the Colorado Springs Free Press, becoming the youngest city editor of a daily published newspaper in the U.S. at 20 years old. He returned to Iowa as Farm Editor and Assistant State Editor of the Waterloo Courier, later becoming an editor on the city desk, staff writer and farm reporter for the Des Moines Register. In 1976 he became an agricultural newsletter writer for several cooperative elevators in Iowa and Minnesota and a freelance writer for several agricultural publications.

Sandy returned to newspapers in 1998, becoming Managing Editor of the Ankeny Press Citizen, a position held until 2009. He was awarded several writing awards from professional organizations through his newspaper career.

He was a musician, playing rhythm guitar and singing. He enjoyed performing golden oldies. Sandy was a member of the Professional Musicians and Entertainers Club of Iowa (PMECI) Hall of Fame and served on the board of directors for several years.

He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous since 1980.

Survived by his domestic partner Lois Brownell; Daughter Kristine Parkinson (Bill) of Atlanta, Granddaughter Jennifer Kalvoda (Mark), Great-Granddaughters Madison, Kennedy, McKinnley, Grandson Alex and Granddaughter Samantha; Son Viktor Sanderson (Heather) of Ankeny, Grandsons Jacob and Jordan; Daughter Korin Kustarz (Chester) of Ann Arbor, Granddaughter Mira; Son Derek Sanderson (Amy) of Ankeny, Grandsons Boston and Lincoln; Stepdaughter Nissa Rink (Doug) of Des Moines, Grandson Lucas and Stepson Jason Brownell of Ankeny.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Veryl Sandy Sanderson Memorial Fund in care of Veridian Credit Union, 1201 S. Ankeny, Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50021, to be given to PMECI and Mercy Hospice in Johnston