Thomas Fairfield Sandblom Sr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tom Sandblom on July 29, 2025. He passed away peacefully at home following a courageous battle with cancer, with Jeanne Sauter, his soulmate, by his side.

The son of Harold and Virginia (nee Fairfield) Sandblom, Tom, was born in Evanston, Ill. He attended Evanston High School and DePauw University. He was the third generation to enter the family business, Central Motors, a service station and automobile dealership established in 1921. After the passing of his grandfather, Charles Sandblom, Tom and his father, Harold C. Sandblom, sold the business and Tom purchased a dealership in Beaver Dam, Wis., that became Thomas Chevrolet – Buick. Tom was very active in the community, with leadership roles in the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and serving on the board of several organizations, notably Madison Area Technical College (MATC), Beaver Dam Hospital, and the Beaver Dam YMCA. Additionally, he served as Deacon and church council member at Presbyterian and Lutheran churches in the Evanston, Beaver Dam and Republic, Mich., areas.

In 1970, Tom purchased a cabin on Island Lake in Republic that became a beloved vacation home which hosted many gatherings of friends and family over the years. He made every excuse to spend as much time there as possible, particularly in the summer, and he eventually settled there after selling the business in Beaver Dam. His final move was to Escanaba, Mich., where he lived with his significant other, Jeanne.

Tom had a knack for developing and fostering friendships with people from all walks of life from childhood, high school, college, his business, and service clubs – friendships that are still intact today. He loved his two boys with a passion and was especially fond of being in the Northwoods, learning about and recreating on the land. He enjoyed many outdoor activities, including running, hiking, biking, skiing, and scuba diving. He also enjoyed traveling, particularly by car or van, geography, cars, nature, and most of all, people.

He was larger than life, had an enormous heart, was there for anyone who needed help, and lit up every room. His booming laughter was like no other, and he continually maintained a positive outlook regardless of the circumstances. He will be missed greatly by many.

Tom is survived by the mother of his children, Joan Fausch (Jim) Schachtner of The Villages, Fla.; his beloved soumate, Jeanne of Escanaba, Mich.; sisters Diane (Gene) Wheatley-Olsen and Janet Swenson both of Green Valley, Ariz.; step-sister Janet O’Dell of Republic, Mich., sons Erik (Nancy) Sandblom of Richmond, Vt., and Thomas Jr. (DeAnna) of Bellingham, Wash.; and grandchildren Prairie, Soren, and Marty. He is additionally survived by Jeanne’s children, Shayne (Jason) Dix, William Sauter, and grandchildren Madeline, Avery, Sawyer Dix and Lilah Sauter.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 17, 2025, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, Ill.

The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.