Retired UCC minister dies

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:13AM

The Rev. J. Robert Sandman, 84, of Oak Brook, who was a retired United Church of Christ minister, died of a heart attack Jan. 16.

Rev. Sandman grew up in Newport, Ky. After graduation from Oberlin College and Union Theological Seminary, Mr. Sandman served as Migrant Ministry state director and pastor of a Columbus, Ohio, church. He then worked in United Church of Christ denominational administration, retiring in 1992 as associate conference minister in the Illinois Conference. He dedicated his life to service and justice ministries, such as civil rights, anti-Vietnam War marches, new church ministries for immigrant minority communities, and farm worker labor rights.

He was predeceased in death by his son, Richard A., and grandson Nicholas.

He is survived by his wife, Olgha Sierra Sandman; sons, Robert D. (Kathy) and Rodney P. (Karin); daughter Linda E. (Richard Wheelock); eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downers Grove, 1047 Curtiss St.

Arrangements are being handled by Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home.