Curtis Mark Sandell

Curtis (Curt) Mark Sandell, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the age of 72. Curt was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to Roy and Marcella (Marcy) Sandell. He grew up on the East Side of Saint Paul with his five siblings and was known to be a lovable troublemaker, with an unforgettable sense of humor.

Curt began working at the Ford plant before enlisting in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1972 to 1975. He returned to Ford after his discharge, where he remained until his older brother, Larry Sandell, encouraged Curt to join him on the Saint Paul Police Department (SPPD), calling it the “greatest job ever.” In 1983, Curt began his 27-year career with the Saint Paul Police.

Reflecting on his time with the SPPD, Curt often joked that he “never worked a day in his life” – to which his wife, a Minnesota State trooper, would agree. He was passionate about his work and always sought opportunities to grow SPPD’s reach within the community. In 1995, Curt fundraised and crowdsourced to start SPPD’s first-ever Mounted Police Unit, ultimately serving as the trainer for the unit. A few years later, Curt had the opportunity to follow his true passion – motorcycles. In 1999, he was among the founders of the SPPD Motor Unit, where he was a trainer and patrol officer. In 2001, he was promoted to Sergeant of the motor unit, where he served until 2008. He ended his career serving in the SPPD Vice Unit before retiring in 2010.

To Curt, the most important thing was always his family. Following his sister’s passing, he was the glue, always using his humor and love of a good time to bring the family together. On July 10, 1993, he married the love of his life, Michele. Their 31 years of marriage were marked by profound love and devotion to one another, despite every challenge the two faced. He was also the proud father of his two daughters, Robin and Anne, who inherited his boisterous personality and humor.

The last 17 years of Curt’s life, since his initial cancer diagnosis in 2007, were spent fighting cancer and winning. He survived prostate, brain, pancreatic and head and neck cancer, completing 109 sessions of radiation and countless chemotherapy treatments along the way. Curt didn’t just beat cancer; he lived his life as fully as possible through each passing battle, serving as an inspiration to many.

Curt’s legacy will continue through stories and rooms filled with laughter. His presence will be irreplaceable to all those who had the pleasure to know and love him.

Curt is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Marcella (Marcy) Sandell, and his siblings, Linda LaVenture and Todd Sandell. Curt is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Michele Tuchner; his daughters, Robin Wetther and Anne O’Brien; and his cherished grandchildren, Justin, Brandon, Josie, and Shawn Jr. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry Sandell, Tim Sandell, and Kim Lupelow, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and great-grandson, Asher Moen.

A visitation for Curt will be held Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road, Woodbury, MN 55125. Funeral Service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Curt has asked that any memorials be directed to English Springer Rescue America, where he adopted his beloved springer, Brit, and fostered countless others. Please direct any floral arrangements to Woodbury Lutheran Church.