Roy Sand

BESSEMER, Mich. – Roy Sand, 82, of Bessemer passed away on Sept. 14, 2020, at his home in Bessemer, Michigan.

He was born on July 31, 1938, son of Eskel and Elizabeth (Loos) Sand.

Roy joined the Navy and was part of the United States Naval Construction Battalion, known as the Seabees, and served a part of the Surface Anti-Submarine Development Detachment in Key West, Florida.

He was married to Ruth Anderson, and she preceded him in death. He then married JoAnne Erickson on June 26, 2009.

Roy had many amazing stories that he treasured with his time in the military. He was a member of the Wakefield American Legion for many years, a place he treasured. He loved collecting war movies, military memorabilia, music (especially on vinyl) and had a love for the history of various firearms. He loved going to garage sales, antique shops, and "Vintcies." Roy lived life to the fullest up to the very end, enjoying time on his 4-wheeler and side-by-side with his wife and dog, Bootsie. Most everyone who knew Roy would tell you that he had the kindest, gentlest soul and treasured all the members of his very large and blended family. His heart was certainly big enough for the job.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eskel and Elizabeth Sand of Ironwood; first wife, Ruth; son, Richard; brothers-in-law, James "Hummo" Anderson of Wakefield and Alvin Stephniewski of West Bend, Wisconsin; and nephew, Gary Alvin Stepniewski.

Roy is survived by his wife, JoAnne; daughter, Carolyn (Chris) Sand Isit; grandchildren, Zackary, Anita, Tony, Christopher and Nikia Isit; stepchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Erickson Hall and Ashley Erickson, of Chicago; step-grandchildren, Mackenzie of Bessemer and Ethan (Shakeal) Hall of Green Bay; step great-grandchild, Rubi Hall; sister, Mae Sand Stepniewski of West Band, Wisconsin, nephew Daniel (Julie) Stepniewski and their son Zachary; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol Anderson of Wakefield, Gail Anderson and son, Billy of Wakefield, Jerry (Toni-Ann) Anderson of Wakefield, Darlene (Norman) Petkac of Cleveland, Ohio, Bonita (Andres) Erickson, Zamora Erickson of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Gordon (Linda) Erickson of Wausau, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

The family has chosen Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer to honor Roy's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at rangefuneralservices.com.