James “Jim” Sandholdt
James M. Sandholdt
James “Jim” Sandholdt
October 29, 1935 – December 13, 2014
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 79
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
James M. Sandholdt, 79, of Oskaloosa, died Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Unity Point Health Systems in Des Moines. He was born October 29, 1935, at Savanna, Illinois, the son of Bert and Esther McElroy Sandholdt.
James graduated from the Sabula (IA) High School, and enjoyed playing basketball. Following high school graduation, he started working for the Iowa Conservation Commission, which is now known as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of Iowa.
Jim served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. On January 26, 1963, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Mangler at Sabula. Following their marriage, Jim again returned working for the Conservation Commision, at Clear Lake in the fisheries department. In 1969, he was transferred to the Parks and Recreation Department and in August, 1970, transferred to the Lake Keomah State Park, east of Oskaloosa, where he was Park Ranger for 30 years.
In 1970, the birth of their son, Jason, blessed their lives. Jim loved his job, and the public loved Jim. He made friends easily, and treated each one with kindness and respect. Over the years, Jim had many people work for him at Lake Keomah, whom he enjoyed immensely, and established a life long friendship. He was always one to help a person in need.
Through the years, Jim became involved with many organizations, including: his church, Central United Methodist Church, where he was active in several areas; he had been a Scout Leader in Clear Lake and Oskaloosa; Rotary; a past president of Ruritans; a 50 plus year Mason; Mahaska County Historical Society, where he was one of seven actively involved with the building of Bradbury Hall; and was a Friend of Education for the Oskaloosa Schools.
Jim loved hunting, fishing and trapping with friends and family, usually Jason and Colby. Jim also loved spending time with his family, especially attending Katelyn and Colby’s, activities. They were the joy of his life. He enjoyed his monthly meetings with DNR retirees. Jim enjoyed life; worked hard; had fun; and enjoyed humor.
His family includes his wife of over 51 years, Mary Sandholdt of Oskaloosa; his son and daughter in law, Jason and Lisa Sandholdt of Knoxville; their grandchildren, Katelyn and Colby Sandholdt; a sister, Sandra Curnutt of Maquoketa; a brother and his wife, George and Gloria Sandholdt of Sabula; and several brothers and sisters in law; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded by his parents; two brothers: Bert and Doug Sandholdt; three sisters: Barbara Sandholdt, Donna Wilson, and Joyce Pyle; his parents in law: Albert and Ellen Mangler; three brothers in law; and two sisters in law.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at 11 a.m. in the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Bruce Wittern officiating.
Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. following the funeral ceremony at the Lodge at Lake Keomah.
Cremation will follow the funeral ceremony. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Tuesday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel, and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5 – 8 p.m.
Masonic Memorial rites will be given Tuesday at 8 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Tuesday to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to Mahaska Hospice Serenity House or Mahaska County Conservation Caldwell Park.
