Virgil Eugene Sandman

(Feb. 19, 1917-June 9, 2005)

IMPERIAL -- Virgil Eugene Sandman, 88, of Wauneta, Nebraska, passed on Thursday, June 9, 2005, at the Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska.

Virgil gave his life to Jesus on March 15, 1992. He chose Christian Faith Outreach as his home church, but is now celebrating with his Lord in heaven.

Virgil was born to Ralph and Gertrude Sandman on February 19, 1917, in Harbine, Nebraska. Along with his parents and nine brothers and sisters, he moved to Wauneta, Nebraska, in 1934. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1935.

After graduation from high school, he worked in California, but with a love of farming, he couldn't stay away from Nebraska. He returned to farm for a time before enlisting in the Navy on Aug. 12, 1942. During his service time, he was chosen from his battleship, the USS William D. Porter, to go to Massachusetts Institute of Technology for additional training in electronics. He completed his training and was discharged on Dec. 23, 1945.

Virgil married the love of his life, Eda Marie Snoke, on Oct. 6, 1946. They were blessed with four children, Nik, Cindy, Kirk and Melody. The family has continued to grow, adding two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, 11 grandchildren of whom three are married and three great-grandchildren. He loved his family very much and having everyone together brought him great joy.

Virgil's community involvement included serving as a board member for Wauneta Public Schools, Palisade Soil and Water Conservation District and the Farmers Coop Exchange. He was also an FFA Charter Member, 4-H leader and a member of the American Legion and VFW.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, three sisters and one grandson, Andrew Sandman.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Eda Marie (Snoke) Sandman (Wauneta); children and families, Nik and Colleen Sandman (Wauneta), Amy and Tim, Ben, David; Cindy West (Lincoln), Nathan; Kirk and Cindy Sandman (Wauneta), Derek and Allison Sandman, Haylee, Alexa; Seri and Jesse Neal, Addison; Ane Sandman; Tami Sandman; Melody and Mike Kenney (Lincoln), Beth, Paul; one brother, Charles Sandman (Benkelman); five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

Pallbearers were Derek Sandman, Paul Kenney (absent), Ben Sandman, Nathan West, David Sandman, Jesse Neal and Tim Smith.

Honorary pallbearer, Andrew Sandman.

Visitation was at Liewer Funeral Home in Wauneta on Sunday, June 12, 2005, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Memorial services for Virgil were held on Monday, June 13, 2005, at Christian Faith Outreach in Imperial, Nebraska, with interment at Wauneta's Riverside Cemetery.

A memorial is being established in honor of Virgil.

Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta was in charge of arrangements.