Russell M. Sandbo

Russell Sandbo of North Pole, Alaska, died peacefully with his wife at his side on March 16, 2023, at age 80. Russell was born on January 7, 1943, in Cooperstown, North Dakota, the oldest of four sons to Margaret and Ralph Sandbo. The family moved to North Pole in 1957 and Russell attended Lathrop High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1960, serving in Germany during the Berlin Wall Conflict. He married Ramouna Jenkins on May 17, 1969. He lived in Alaska for 56 years, raising his family in North Pole. He and Ramouna moved to Valdez in 2009 and returned to North Pole in 2021. He worked as a Teamster and in Civil Service for 35 years, all in the Fairbanks area. He was a charter and lifetime member of Walden M. Rucker VFW Post 10029 in North Pole.

The family would like to thank the doctor and nurses of the Ft Wainwright VA Health Clinic and Fairbanks Hospice nurses and support staff for caring for Russell in his last days.

Russell is survived by his wife Ramouna Sandbo of North Pole, son Clifford Sandbo (Liz) of North Pole, daughter Vickie Martel (Gil) of Valdez, five grandchildren: Brandee Martel (Nathaniel) of Valdez, Sara Sandbo (Bill) of Fairbanks, Trevor Sandbo of North Pole, Phylicia Barnum (Alex) of Valdez, and Raymond Martel III (Destiny) of Valdez, and three precious great-grandchildren: Oliver Quinn Barnum, Charlotte Lynn Martel, and Nathaniel Lee Hughes, all of Valdez. A fourth great-grandchild is expected this spring. Russell is also survived by his brothers Duane Sandbo and family in Georgia and Rick Sandbo and family in Nevada. Russell is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dennis Sandbo.

A graveside service with Army Military Honors will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Northern Lights Memorial Park. 

A Celebration of Life will follow at 3PM at Chena Lakes Recreation Area in North Pole.

 In lieu of flowers, we ask that any memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

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