Ted Wilford Sandstrom

Ted Wilford Sandstrom, the pillar of our family, passed away on his patio at his home in South Jordan on July 4, 2025 when his heart stopped. He was surrounded by the love of his family and the peace of a life well-lived.

Born on June 8, 1942, in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to Jesse Wilford Sandstrom and Lillis Mary Oberg, Ted was raised in the small mining town of Lark, where his father worked in the underground mine. He was one of five children, with one sister and three brothers.

He attended Lark Elementary and Bingham Junior/Senior High School in Copperton, Utah, where he played football and tennis and performed in the band on both the cornet and the tuba. Ted’s father passed away when Ted was just 14, and the early loss deeply shaped his character. As a teenager, he worked a variety of jobs—from butchering and church cleaning to highway road construction in Idaho—developing a work ethic and sense of responsibility that would define the rest of his life.

After graduating from Bingham High School in 1960, Ted attended the Church College of Hawaii (now BYU–Hawaii), and later served as a missionary in the Southern States Mission during the turbulent early 1960s.

Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart and lifelong best friend, Linda Jane Long, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 19, 1964. Ted and Linda had been inseparable since ninth grade. Together, they made their first home in Copperton, Utah, where they began building their family.

The greatest joy in Ted’s life was his family. He cherished his wife and children with deep devotion, but it was his grandchildren who truly lit up his world. His face would brighten the moment they walked into the room, and he took endless delight in their personalities, their laughter, and their milestones. Ted’s love for them was tender and unmistakable—a legacy of affection and faith that will live on for generations.

Ted earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Utah and also became a certified Seminary teacher. Both he and Linda returned to teach at their alma mater, Bingham High School—Linda at the high school and Ted at the adjacent seminary building, where he influenced generations of students with his testimony, intellect, and humor.

In 1975, they settled in South Jordan, Utah, where they became deeply rooted in the growing community. Ted joined the volunteer fire department and eventually became Fire Chief. Recognizing the city’s increasing need for emergency services, he helped establish the city’s first EMT program. Simultaneously, he served on the South Jordan City Council for eight years, playing a key role in developing the city's master plan.

Ted is known for his wonderful yard and bountiful garden. He loved keeping the lawn tidy and had a bumper crop of corn, tomatoes and squash year after year; a bounty which was always shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

He loved visiting baseball parks and was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He led countless treks along the Pioneer Trail, was steeped in pioneer history and relished sharing those experiences with others. Over the years his hobbies included woodworking, cooking, fishing, family Disneyland trips, gardening, camping, and golfing with his buddies. He was an insatiable student of scripture and church history. His hands were always busy, his heart always open.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ted served faithfully in many callings: Young Men’s President, Sunday School President, Service Missionary (at the cannery and pasta plants), Bishop, High Councilor, and Stake Patriarch. Though he loved every opportunity to serve, working with the youth held a special place in his heart. He is a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

Ted was a kind, gentle man with a quick wit and an easy smile. He had a unique gift for making people feel welcome, seen, and loved. He delighted in his family and built a life centered around faith, service, and connection.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Linda; their children: Erik (Angela) Sandstrom, Heather (Brent) Hansen, Taylor Sandstrom, and Spencer (Carolyn) Sandstrom; grandchildren: Jennifer (Erik) Strong, Brad (Kevin) Hansen, Michael (Katie) Hansen, Lisa (Cody) Wiseman, Tanner, Ashley, and Lindsay Sandstrom, Stella, Luna, Henry, and Lily Sandstrom; and great-grandchildren: Theodore, Georgia, Quincy, and Grant Strong, and Wrenley and Beau Wiseman. He is also survived by his brother Sidney (Linda C.) Sandstrom, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Lillis; his siblings Gwen (Cal) Crump, Jack Sandstrom, and Terry Sandstrom.

As Ted faced health challenges in recent years, he was deeply humbled and touched by the willing service of dear friends and neighbors, who spent countless hours by his side—gardening, visiting, and sharing laughter.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 11th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the South Jordan Utah River Stake Center, 1570 West 11400 South, South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, July 12th, at 12:30 p.m., preceeded by a viewing at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will take place at the South Jordan City Cemetery, 10650 South 1055 West, South Jordan, Utah.