Charles R. Sandstrom

CRYSTAL FALLS - Charles “Charlie” Sandstrom, 86, of Crystal Falls, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at his home. He was born on September 16, 1939, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the son of the late Ruben and Ingrid (Lithen) Sandstrom. He graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. During his service he attended Federal Boarding Officers School, Aids to Navigation School, and Electronics School. He was honorably discharged after four years of service in March 1961, having been credited with saving seven lives from fierce seas. He married Sherry Lewis on September 23, 1973, in Olivet, Michigan. Charlie possessed a diverse background reflected in the many certificates he earned through thousands of hours of training across numerous states. He attended the Coastal School of Deep Sea Diving, receiving training certifications for diving and welding. He was employed by Oceaneering International for more than 20 years as a commercial deep-sea diver and underwater welder, primarily working in the oil fields of the Gulf of Mexico, retiring in 1994 and returning to Crystal Falls. His additional certifications included water safety instructor, diesel mechanic courses, obtaining his captain’s license, radar technology training, residential builder’s license, and he was also a certified EMT. Charlie’s dedication to the Crystal Falls community was evident throughout his life. He served on the Crystal Falls Township Board as Supervisor, was selected as Citizen of the Year, and received an Outstanding Service Award. He was a member of the Crystal Falls Lions Club, a board member of the Iron County Hospital, and manager of the Crystal Theatre for several years. In 2021 he was inducted into the Crystal Falls Forest Park Schools First Class Achievement Hall of Fame. In his spare time Charlie enjoyed golfing and tandem bike riding with his wife Sherry; they made several bicycle trips every year. He also kept busy through the winter months snowmobiling, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing. Charlie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sherry; daughter, Kimberly; grandson, Camron; granddaughters, Shannon and Kerigan; and brother, Robert Solsrud. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Lisa. At Charlie’s request, there will be no services held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to Camp Batawagama. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Charles Sandstrom online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Charles R. Sandstrom

September 16, 1939 - September 6, 2026