Karl Axel Sandberg

Karl Axel Sandberg was born on July 17, 1952, in Ida Grove, Iowa and passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, at Gracewell in Denison, Iowa. He was the youngest of the two boys of William Sandberg and Frances (Carlson) Sandberg. He was Baptized at Odebolt Lutheran Church, Odebolt on September 7, 1952, and Confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church, Odebolt on March 19, 1967. He lived on a farm south of Odebolt for his young childhood, before moving into town where he attended the Odebolt Arthur schools. He graduated from Odebolt Arthur High School in 1970. He worked at Bill’s Standard Service Station with his father and brother while growing up, and then attended Dunwoody Technical Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After completing his studies at Dunwoody in 1972, he returned to Odebolt to take over the family service station with his brother Ed. In 1975 they bought the Lindstrom Oil Garage in Kiron, Iowa.
Karl and his brother Ed operated Sandberg Automotive in Kiron for over 40 years, taking care of many of the local residents’ vehicles and selling used cars, new snowmobiles, and motorcycles. The shop was more than just a place for repairs; it was a hub of conversation and camaraderie. If you stopped in for a pop during the afternoon break, you’d not only catch up on the latest town news but also a wealth of shared stories from other locals. Because of this welcoming atmosphere and their dedication to Kiron, the two brothers became trusted fixtures in the Kiron community.
Karl was a dedicated volunteer. He joined the Odebolt Fire Department starting in 1972 and continued his fire fighter service for the next 49 years, working both on the Odebolt Fire Department and eventually the Kiron Fire Department. Karl served as chief of the Kiron Fire Department for 29 years. His commitment to public service and the safety of his community was unwavering.
Karl had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying fishing, camping, and boating. He also had a love for speed and enjoyed racing modified stock cars and obtaining his pilot’s license, flying small airplanes as a member of the Ida County Flying club. He never had children but cherished his nieces like they were his own. He enjoyed the trips the whole family took out west, and enjoyed riding the ferry across the Puget Sound, eating fresh seafood and clam chowder from Ivars on the water in Seattle. He loved traveling to visit family in Texas, which he did from a young age and into his adulthood to spend time with his cousins. He enjoyed eating his favorite pecan pie made with fresh pecans from the Texas farm Happy Hollow.
Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Fran, his Aunts: Hazel (Harry) Sommers, Edwina (Jack) Adams, Ruth (Emory) Carlson, Bonnie (George) McCord, and his Grandparents.
Karl is survived by his brother Ed (Marty) Sandberg of Kiron, Iowa, nieces Melissa (David) Burris of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Emilee (Nathan) Lakner of Denison, Iowa, his beloved grandnieces Ashlan and Hailey Burris and grandnephews Warren and Ryan Lakner, and many cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Kiron Fire Department Inc.
His kindness, dedication and love for family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Denison on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Celebration of life will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Kiron on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Cindy Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Odebolt Cemtery.