CLARENCE E SANDVIK

CLARENCE E. SANDVIK

Clarence E. Sandvik was born in Cooperstown, ND on June 14, 1929. to Nels and Sarah Sandvik. He passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, to be with his Lord and Savior. He was surrounded by his loving family at the Dakota Regional Medical Center.

He attended school in Cooperstown through 10th grade. He worked in his father’s harness and shoe repair shop. He enlisted in the Army November 20, 1946 serving in WWII, Occupation Forces in Fulda, Germany, 81st Constabulary Squadron, PFC; he received the Army of Occupation Victory Medal, Discharged April 6, 1948. He used the GI Bill to attend the Dakota Business School in Fargo in 1949.

In 1950 he was offered a job by L.A. Sayer in the Sayer & Skjolden Insurance Company which later merged into Farmers and Merchants Bank. His insurance and banking career lasted 41 years. He worked as an insurance agent, bank officer, vice-president, president, and chairman of the board.

He married the love of his life, Juli Fadness, on June 20, 1950. They had two daughters and two baby boys who were stillborn. He was a fun Dad to his girls and numerous nieces and nephews. Raise your hand if you were taught to waterski in Red Willow Lake by Clarence. The cabin at the lake was a special place to be. His grandchildren and greats were always a great joy to him.

He made many contributions to the community in organizations including the City Treasurer for 25 years, Two-Thirty Investment Club, Municipal Board, Country Club, American Legion Gordon Lindgren Post #147 as Past Commander, Northern Light Masonic Lodge Past Master and Treasurer, Boy Scout leader, Fair Board, and many others. He loved the community of Cooperstown and was a real civic leader. He was one of the “movers and shakers” who helped make Cooperstown the thriving community it was.

He was baptized in the Ness Church and a life-long member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He served as a Deacon, Church Treasurer, Trustee, he taught a Bethel Bible Class, and sang in the choir for fifty years.

Clarence and Juli actively served in Nomad’s for 19 years. Their motto was God’s love and our hands. They also worked with Heifer International. His love of travel was well known from camping trips with his family, to riding the bullet train in Japan, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. Norway always held a special place in his heart. He made several trips to visit relatives. A highlight was attending the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer in 1994 with his nephew Todd.

His hobbies were hunting, fishing, and golfing (still golfing at 96). He restored antique cars and drove them in local parades. Roger Hare drove his 1920 Dodge Touring Car in the 2025 parade with Clarence waving from the passenger seat.

Clarence came from a humble beginning but had strong faith in God and love for family, community, and giving back to others. He was an inspiration to others and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife Julie, their baby boys, daughter Brenda Starke, parents Nels and Sarah Sandvik, all his siblings, many in-laws, and his grandson in-law Adam Henry.

Clarence is survived by his daughter Kitty (Roger) Hare, and son-in-law Clinton Starke. His grandchildren Scott (Lori) Hare, Brett (Robyn) Hare, Kristin (Shawn) Reinarz, Joshua Starke, Tyler Starke, Megan (Chris) Bosh, Alyssa (Joe) Denman, Hillary (Adam) Clark, and Audra Starke. Great Grandchildren Blaine, Cayden (Grace), Christopher, Nicholas, Nathan, and Charlie Hare. Eva Starke, William and Cecelia Denman, and Soren and Jewell Reinarz. Great, great grandson Kysen Hare. Sister-in-laws Charlotte Sandvik and Bonnie McClafin. Many nieces and nephews.

Memorial can be given to the Dakota Regional Care Center, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown Cemetery, and Nomads.

In lieu of flowers please make your memorial to:

Cooperstown Cemetery                                                Methodist NOMADS

Box 247                                                                         Box 9066

Cooperstown, ND 58425                                                Hot Springs Village, AR 91910

Dakota Regional Center                                                Trinity Lutheran Church

107 12th ST                                                                    1104 Roberts Ave NE

Cooperstown, ND 58425                                                 Cooperstown, ND 58425