Jess Hansen Sandberg

Mr. Jess Hansen Sandberg, Jr., age 90, of Starke, Florida, passed away peacefully on August 14, at the University of Florida Shands Health Center in Gainesville, FL. He was born in Owosso, MI, on August 21, 1928, to the late Jess H. Sandberg, Sr., and Ila Hope Parker Sandberg. He moved to Florida in 1965 and eventually settled in Starke in 1973. He was a school teacher for 35 years in total and the last 15 years, he worked for the Bradford County School District teaching Industrial Arts (shop class). Mr. Sandberg earned his Master's degree from Florida State University and he also earned his Master's Teaching Certificate. Mr. Sandberg was also an accomplished stringed instrument musician, specializing in the mandolin. He was the top United States Amateur Mandolinist at one point in his career. His most prized accomplishment would be the nearly 72 years of marriage he cherished with his wife, Mrs. Doris Lee Foster Sandberg. Faith was always important to the Sandberg's and they joined the Sante Fe Mennonite Church about 15 years ago. He is preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, Eugene Sandberg.

Mr. Sandberg is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mrs. Doris Sandberg of Starke, FL; his 3 children, Marcella (Lonnie) Thomas of Swartz Creek, MI, Janice (William) Criss of Waldo, FL, and Jess Hanson Sandberg, III (Karen Haug) of Wesley Chapel, FL; 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; three sisters, Betty Hinkley of Ohio, Elaine Tew of Indiana, and Lila Bradley of Michigan; one brother, Pete (Nioma) Sandberg of Michigan; numerous extended family also survive, including more than 1500 students he taught in Bradford County that he always considered family.

A funeral service to honor Mr. Sandberg's life will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 3:00 pm, at his church, Sante Fe Mennonite Church in Lake Butler, FL. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, August 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the church. The services will be officiated by Brother Dwight Mast, Pastor of the Sante Fe Mennonite Church. Mr. Sandberg will be intered at the church cemetery following his services. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Archer Funeral Home. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com