Edward M. Sandall
We should all be so fortunate to have so many people in our lives – family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, schoolmates, roommates and even caregivers he recently met – who would do anything (including fly in for just a day) to spend a little more time together. Yep, Steady Eddie (as he was called on the Marian Central Catholic gridiron) was that kind of guy. His final month was a steady stream of people who frankly couldn’t get enough of him. Bouncers almost had to be hired. This “living wake” was a testament to his extreme kindness, openness, hang-ability, sense of humor and uncanny capability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Ed’s passions beyond people encompassed gardening, Chicago sports, birdwatching, cooking (and eating), fine wine, traveling, fishing and any movie from total flops to Oscar winners. An economics graduate from the University of Illinois, Ed enjoyed a long career as a successful sales executive, earning numerous trips to his favorite island of Maui. But Ed’s most important accomplishments weren’t on the job, but rather in his own home. Ed’s work-life balance was always in balance. Kids’ soccer games and school events took priority over work dinners and emails. He insisted on making his children’s lunches all the way through high school, even when he was undergoing cancer treatment. That was Steady Eddie – the glue at home, the glue in his circle of friends, the glue in his family growing up. He was always there when you needed him – sometimes with a spot-on Donald Duck impression, sometimes with a classic dad joke, but always with unwavering care and support. Steady Eddie’s light and energy will continue to shine in all who knew and loved him.
Ed is survived by his wife Lisa K. Nelson; children Luke, Linnea and Erik Nelson-Sandall; mother Madelyn Sandall; siblings Joan Cooney (Terry), Joseph Sandall (Donna), Paul Sandall (Maria), Pete Sandall (Laura), two canine daughters Sandy and Lucy; plus many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. In the afterlife he will be seeing his brother, the late Dan Sandall and father, the late Frederick Sandall.
Memorial service Thursday, December 8th 3:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Ave., La Grange, IL (also livestreamed at www.gracelutheran-lg.org), with a celebration of life immediately following nearby. As per Ed’s adamant wish, Hawaiian shirts are required for both events. Memorials may be given to the Melanoma Research Alliance (www.curemelanoma.org)
Arrangements by Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.
What a truly wonderful man! He will be missed. Love to Lisa, Luke, Linnea and Erik.
Many prayers to the family!
Ed was a great father and husband and he was robbed too soon from all of us. Life is not always fair and I am so sorry this hand was dealt to such a terrific soul. I mourn your loss but also know that you will each take a part of his wisdom into your life going forward. Big hugs to all! XXX
Sending love and positivity to Lisa and the kids! Our deepest condolences.
Ed was my friend, a brother, a light in my life. We had plan for retirement that included Hawaiian shirts, Bermuda shorts, black dress socks and terrorizing kids (“get off my damn lawn ya hooligans”) from the front porch. Plans that will still happen, now on the other side. Love ya man.
Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss. My his memory be a blessing.
Ed and Lisa lived down the block from us in L.A. for several glowingly sweet years, back when we all were younger and just starting with kids. Ed had the dryest sense of humor and was a master storyteller, you wanted him to tell another story, he had the timing, the structure, everything. He could pick up on stuff and just riff off it. I was over at his house once and said, “You’re a talented raconteur.” He looked at me mock offended but already smiling as he went into his I’m-just-a-guy-from-the-Midwest persona, and I knew he was off. “Did you just call me a raconteur? Don’t ever call me a raconteur” and then he went into some stuff that had me absolutely laughing so hard I was gasping for air. The kind of laughs where your sides hurt. Moments like that leave you with a glow that lasts forever. Ed passed out those moments like candy. He was a good guy, a kind man, and yeah, he was an outstanding “person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way.”
What a wonderful tribute to Ed. He was all of those things to the people in his life. Sending love and light as we mourn this loss and celebrate his life.
Ed was and will always be remembered as a true, loyal friend, who would do anything to help someone resolve a challenge. He shared great stories, great laughter, and I will miss him dearly.
My love to Lisa, Luke, Linnea, and Erik.
Papou
I’m so sad to hear about Ed. We worked together at Hitachi many years ago. We shared a lot of stories. He spoke so much of his family who he loved. Ed brought his lunch bag all to work all of the time. I remember cause I always asked him wanna go out? He was like nope I made my lunch. I haven’t spoken to him in 3-4 years. My heart goes out to his whole family.
This is such an unbelievable loss. Ed was one of those men I classified as just such a good guy… generous, genuine, funny and fun to be around. Even though he’s no longer here with us, I thank God that Ed is no longer dealing with pain and sickness. I love his beautiful family and you are in my prayers.
God bless the entire Nelson-Sandall family and condolences on the loss of Ed.
Molter
You are in our thoughts and prayers.