Kenneth Roy Sandstrom

On February 27th, 2025, Kenneth Roy Sandstrom passed away at age 82 in Kirkland, Washington, after a three-year battle with brain cancer. He was born on November 24th, 1942, in St. Helens, Oregon. Ken attended Columbia City Elementary School, St. Helens High School, and Oregon State University. While attaining his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Oregon State University, Ken joined the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and served three tours in the Vietnam War. Upon return, he completed his master's in business administration at Oregon State University and joined the Marine Corps. Ken served 25 years in the Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of Colonel. He and his family were stationed in the United States and abroad, including Japan, the Philippines, and Belgium. After retiring from the Marine Corps, he was the assistant to the dean in the College of Business at Oregon State University. Soon after, he became a military contractor in Albania, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Montenegro. Ken led a life marked by courage, selflessness, and devotion. He had a deep commitment to national service and education.

He found joy in the simplicity of nature and literature. Ken was an avid backpacker, hiker, and runner, often exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Pacific Crest Trail. He loved to read and spend quality time with his daughters and granddaughters. Ken's family was central to his life. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Sandstrom and Stacy Sikora; son-in-law David Sikora; granddaughters Samantha Sikora, Jennifer Sikora, and Gwen Sandstrom; brother Donald Sandstrom; sister-in-law Marilyn Sandstrom; and his niece and nephew, Connie and Mark Sandstrom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Helen Sandstrom.

The funeral service will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 1575 145th Pl SE, Bellevue, Washington 98007, on Monday March 17th, 2025, at 1:00pm. Ken's life and legacy will be honored in a ceremony reflecting his profound impact on his family and the nation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.