Eugene Sandhorst

Eugene A. Sandhorst, 63, of Atlantic, passed away Monday, January 25, at Atlantic Specialty Care.

Eugene was born November 20, 1952, to Ralph and Pauline (Waldau) Sandhorst of Wiota, and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was raised on the farm and attended school in Atlantic with his favorite teacher of all times, Mrs. Margaret Reimer. He also attended Pymosa School and Leadway in Shelby. In 1977, he came back to Atlantic and started with CASS, Inc., in its early years. Eugene quickly became an integral part of CASS and remained with them until 2010 when his health declined. He loved going to work each day there and was so proud of that paycheck.

When Eugene and his Mother were both in good health, you would see them sitting in church together and Eugene always had the last "Amen". He kept a Bible on his table beside him and would spend hours skimming the pages.

Eugene loved looking at wrestling books, watching John Wayne movies, the Lawrence Welk Show, bowling, bingo, participated in the Special Olympics, and all his medals and ribbons are framed and were hanging in his room. He had a special pet dog, Shep, who was always by his side on the farm. They took many walks together and they could disappear so quick.

Eugene had a great sense of humor and loved to tease. He would talk to anyone who would listen. He loved his family and was always ribbing his nephews and nieces. Eugene always watched the weather and would inform his family what it was going to do. His response to anyone's question about what time it was, was always, "Three-thirty!" He loved having his room decorated for each holiday. Eugene could charm the socks off you. He never hesitated to say what he wanted and his family lovingly remembers that they all gave in when he asked.

His first plane trip was with his mother to California to visit his brother and sister-in-law and go to Disneyland. He enjoyed going out to eat, taking trips to Adventureland, the Henry Doorly Zoo, the State Fair, Worlds of Fun and the family reunions where he would arm wrestle with the girls.

When Eugene's health failed, he spent his last five years with his family at Care Initiatives' Atlantic Specialty Care. He considered that his home. When his family took him out, he had to make sure they were bringing him back to the Nursing Home.

Eugene is survived by his sisters, Donnis (Wayne) Kessler of Atlantic and Janet (Gene) Larsen of Walnut; sister-in-law, Sharon Sandhorst of Atlantic; nephews, Scott Stillian of Walnut, Mike (Chrissy) Stillian of Atlantic, Matt Sandhorst (Jayme Farver) of Wiota, Brian Kessler of Des Moines; nieces, Angie (John) Kay of Atlantic and Lindsey (Tony) Eblen of Treynor; aunt Iola Wilson of Atlantic; along with cousins and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Pauline Sandhorst; brothers, Harvey Sandhorst and Roger Sandhorst, sister-in-law, Betty Sandhorst, and special friends Karen Reason and Bobbie Tibken.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic with Pastor Ken Davidson officiating. Family will meet with friends Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the Zion Lutheran Church. Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery south of Wiota. Open visitation will be held Thursday and Friday from 8 to 5:30 P.M. at the Roland Funeral Home. Roland Funeral Service is caring for Eugene's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Eugene A. Sandhorst

BORN
November 20, 1952 ~ Atlantic, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Monday, January 25, 2016 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
63 years, 2 months & 5 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2016
Zion Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Ken Davidson

ORGANIST
Steve Petty

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“Jesus Loves Me”
“How Great Thou Art”

CASKET BEARERS
Scott Stillian
Mike Stillian
Matt Sandhorst
Brian Kessler
John Kay
Tony Eblen

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Eugene’s family at Cass Incorporated

INTERMENT
First Lutheran Cemetery ~ Wiota, Iowa


The family invites you to join them for lunch
in the fellowship hall immediately
following the funeral service.