Earl, one of seven children of the Chris and Emma Sandager family, was born at Tyler, Minnesota on July 12, 1921. When he was nine years old the family moved to Faribault, Minnesota. The Sandagers were farmers and Earl also carried on the family tradition on his own for a while.
He graduated from the School of Agriculture at the University of Minnesota. The early years were before tractors so all farming and transportation was done with horses. Family values of caring about and respect of others along with a strong work ethic and community involvement were instilled in Earl early on.
His father took great pride in never arriving late to Earl’s Saturday Catechism classes even if it meant making the ten mile trip in the snow in the horse drawn sleigh. In 1948, he left farming and journeyed to Southern California where he met his future wife Mary (Thomas). They were married in Newberg, Oregon in 1950 and lived there until Mary’s passing in 2012, and then Earl until his death.
They enjoyed three successful businesses in Newberg, of which the last 30 years was in their real estate office, Sandager Real Estate. Earl was active in his church life and it was very important to him. Zion Lutheran Church and Joyful Servant Lutheran Church were his spiritual homes.
He served as President of these congregations and lead fund raising and building projects over the years. He became a Stephen Minister, a ministry dedicated to helping others by “lending our ear” to hear troubles, fears, worries and disappointments of others. He also served his community in many ways; trying to give back some of what was available to him and trying to make a better place for those who followed.
Much time was spent at meetings and duties of the Newberg School Board, Yamhill County Planning Commission including serving as chairman, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Hospital Foundation and serving as a Volunteer Fireman. Earl had a hard time saying no when a project needed help or committee members. Earl and Mary loved to travel.
They took many extended trips, with their daughters, alone or with their many friends. Also high on his list were golf, hunting, fishing, for the sport and general good times with friends. Anyone joining Earl for these know how skillful he was and how you were sure to have a good time with him in the mix.
Earl took purposeful control of each of day. “Take what each day gives you and make the most of it”, or “Make at least one person smile each day”, and “Take the time everyday to enjoy the beauty around you” are good examples of philosophies he lived by and often shared. Earl is survived by, as he would declare, his “two wonderful daughters”, Nancy of Newberg and Linda (Haglund) of Salem, Oregon.
Earl also enjoyed time with his son-in-law, Dick Haglund. Earl passed away peacefully on January 30, 2019, less than 6 months short of his 98th birthday. He lived a full life and touched many lives along the way.
Earl will be missed by so many, including all in his care team who enriched his days over the last 5 years. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 16 at Joyful Servant Lutheran Church in Newberg. A lunch will be held in Earl’s honor afterwards followed by a graveside committal at Valley View Memorial Park.
Services entrusted to Attrell’s Newberg Funeral Chapel Donations in Earl’s honor can be made to “A Family Place” relief nursery program in Newberg through Lutheran Community Services NW (www. familyplacerelief.org) or Willamette Valley Hospice (www.
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