Paul Sandmeyer

Paul Joseph Sandmeyer was born January 1, 1946 in St. James to parents Walter and Evelyn (Swenson) Sandmeyer. Paul grew up in Madelia moving to St. James at age 17. Paul was united in marriage to Gloria Helling on Sept. 28, 1968 in St. James where the couple made their home. Paul and Gloria have been the owners of the Hickory Inn Restaurant Bar in St. James since 1992. Many people know and remember Paul by his handle-bar mustache which he has had for many years. In 1970, Paul started the Band Box Fast Pitch Softball team and played for numerous teams in Mankato. Paul has been an active member of the community, for 17+ years he managed the VFW and is currently a member, he is also a member of St. James Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Ducks Unlimited, Snow Cross, Rail Run, and Winter Carnival. Paul is a Vietnam Veteran and the Vice President of the National Duster Quads Searchlight Association (DQS). Paul started the Welcome Home Watonwan County Vietnam Veterans and Support Your Troops - Red Friday as a way for people to show support to the Troops, this is a real passion of Paul's. Throughout Paul's life he has touched many people by his giving and always helpful ways. On December 21, 2006, Paul was diagnosed with terminal Colon and Liver Cancer. He was at home enjoying life with his family and friends and resting comfortably. As Paul has been receiving phone calls, visits, cards, flowers and food we have made ribbons with the names of the people and had the grandchildren decorate them. We have hung them throughout the house so he could see each and everyday how many people are out there supporting him. The support even goes overseas. There is a National Guard Unit in Iraq that flew the American Flag on January 1, 2007 for Paul's 61st Birthday to thank him for all he has done and for the continued Support for the Troops. They heard of Paul's Terminal Cancer and the Flag in now on its way back to St. James to be given to Paul. There is a candle lit at the Catholic Church in his honor, he is on many prayer chains throughout the United States. Each day Paul's family is surprised, they knew Paul touched a lot of people but did not realize how many people and in how many different ways. Paul has truly been a role model for his children and grandchildren. Paul passed away on Monday, January 15, 2007 at his home in St. James he was 61 years old. Paul is preceded in death by his parents, sister Joanne, in-laws Julian and Jeanette Helling and brothers-in-law Marlin and LeDale Helling. Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife, Gloria Sandmeyer of St. James, daughters, Dana (Bryan) French of Axtel, NE, Stephanie (Curt) Leimer of St. James, Wynette (Rory) Haler of Butterfield, Connie (Blane) Braaten of Butterfield, 16 grandchildren, brothers, Cliff (Pat) Sandmeyer of Maplewood, Oliver (Joanne) Sandmeyer of Trimont, David (Karen) Sandmeyer of Lakeville, sisters, Elizabeth New Hope of Madelia, Lucy (Jim) Rousslang of Maple Grove, brothers-in-law, Jerry (Sharon) Helling of Hanska, Richard (MaryAnn) Helling of St. James, Brent Helling of St. James and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.