Obit: Sandel, Ronald #2 (1946 – 1967)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sandel, Hedrington, Tetzner, Bishop

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 19 Oct 1967

Sandel, Ronald (29 AUG 1946 – 9 OCT 1967)

Funeral services for Specialist 4 Ronald Scott Sandel, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Sandel of Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), who was killed in the Vietnam war Oct. 9th, 1967m were held here at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, Oct. 18th at St. Bernard's Catholic Church.

Father Francis Brockman officiated at the church services.

Complete military services were bestowed at the graveside, officiated over by Lt. Ronald Gaylean, A Battery, 3rd Battalion (HERC), 68th Artillery, U.S. Army of Roberts, Wis.

The military escort commanded by Lt. Gaylean consisted of eight pallbearers, as well as eight members of the official firing squad. They arrived in Thorp Wednesday by a U.S. Army Carryall.

(From the Chippewa Herald Telegram)

To say that Ron Sandel gave himself completely to whatever he did would probably explain the way he died, as well as the way he lived.

The shocked community of Thorp found it difficult to believe that Specialist 4 Ronald Scott, Sandel, 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton Sandel, 108 Rusch St., Thorp, had been killed in the Vietnam action on Oct. 9th.

Within a few hours of the tragic report, however, friends were seeking to put into words their feelings of loss, and their high regard for the greatly respected young man. One of the often repeated phrases used in describing Ron was, "He worked hard at whatever he did.."

This was especially true in the field of athletics, for Ron was a vaued member of his high school football squad; the basketball quint, and track team. Football coach, Roger Hedrington, and basketball coach, Arthur "Jack" Tetzner, had a high regard for Ron and his ability, and are saddened by his death.

In school athletics, as in other activities, Ron earned a reputation as a "team" man, working for advancement of his team rather than for personal gain. He frequently demonstrated his understanding of the valuable quality of self-discipline.

Though Ron was not always present as school dances, he found himself the center of attention at one of them, for his classmates selected him as Prom King.

Because he gave so much of himself to Thorp High School prior to his graduation in 1964, plans are underway to establish a memorial in relation to the school.

Bud and Betty Bishop of Thorp's East Main Street were among those who paid their verbal tribute to the youthful soldier. Bud (A.F.) Bishop was Ron's Boy Scout leader and regarded him as an "exceptional member of an exceptional troop" of scouts. As an Explorer Scout Ron brought to his post a spirit of cooperation, and for his leader and associates.

Scouting went deep with Ron, for he practice the high ideals of its program in his relations with others. He liked people, and endeared himself to the kids of his neighborhood by playing football with them.

Long after Ron and his fellow explorers had completed their scouting activities, they continued to be close friends. They followed a favorite custom of Christmas caroling last year and Ron and a pal had a gift for their former leader, Bud Bishop. The Bishops recall that the former close-knit group of four have gone to Vietnam. Ron was honored at a big surprise farewell party before he left.

It was 11 months ago that Ronald entered the service, and he left for Vietnam early in May. In a letter to his parents, written October first, he stated that he felt he was doing the right thing in helping subdue the VC.

A precious ingredient went out of the lives of Tony and Clare Sandel and their son Kenneth, 16, when representatives of the United States Army called at the Sandel home last week on their difficult mission. It is typical of Clare Sandel that she sought to make their task less painful. Tony's eyes are clouded as he recalls still another war in which he himself served his country.

In the midst of the heartbreak at the Sandel home there is a quiet pride in the son who, in just 21 years, has given a lifetime of unselfish service to he fellowmen.