Maynerd Carl Sandberg

Maynerd Carl Sandberg

November 28, 1924 – June 2, 2025

Maynerd Carl Sandberg, age 100, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, after a long life devoted to faith, family, and service. For the past five years, he lived with his son Daniel in Crystal, Minnesota.

Maynerd was born in Minneapolis on November 28, 1924, to Albert and Jennie Sandberg. He was one of three children and is preceded in death by his sister Eljane (Bud) Matheson, who lived to 101. He is survived by his younger sister, Carol (Wes) Johnson.

He graduated from North High School in Minneapolis and served in the U.S. Navy Seabees during World War II, stationed in Guam and Okinawa. After his honorable discharge in 1948 from San Francisco, he returned to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota and St. Paul Bible School.

On August 12, 1946, he married Verna Emilie Malcolm. They were blessed with 62 years of marriage and three children: Vermae (Merlyn) Matheson, Daniel Sandberg, and Deborah (Rich) Dahlberg. Together, Maynerd and Verna built a life grounded in faith and service.

Maynerd pastored several churches early in his ministry, including Blackduck Free Church (1948–1951), Funkley Free Church, and Oroch Free Church (1951–1952). From 1952 to 1955, he served at Princeton Free Church. Later, he worked as a carpenter, independent contractor, and with Hamstin and Burmeister in Minneapolis. He also had a partnership with Hardware Hank. In 1964, the family moved to the Forest Lake area, where he became active at Coon Lake Church, which later became Crossroads Covenant Church, serving there in many roles from 1963 onward.

In the late 1980s, Maynerd and Verna spent several years as missionaries in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), and he returned again for a mission trip in 1990. He retired in 1986 but never truly stopped serving—whether as a church chairman, teacher, mentor, or faithful volunteer.

Maynerd loved reading the Bible, singing hymns and praise songs, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and having “Grandpa time” with the grandchildren who lived next door. He often shared his wisdom and joy with a generous heart and a deep love for Jesus.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Verna, his parents Albert and Jennie, sister Eljane, and great-granddaughter Malia Peterson.

He is survived by his sister, Carol (Wes) Johnson; children: Vermae (Merlyn) Matheson, Daniel Sandberg, Deborah (Rich) Dahlberg; grandchildren: Annette (Joe) Peterson, Amy (Ben) Oliver, Alisa Matheson, Clinton (Cara) Dahlberg, Charles (Briana) Dahlberg; great-grandchildren: Madilyn, Marissa, Ethan (Grace), Isaac, Noah (Clara), Josiah, Meghan, Calvin, Elizabeth, Silas, Gideon, Arnisia, Rose, Ian, Emily, Owen, Addie, Theo; and great-great-granddaughter, Ginny. He is also remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Maynerd’s life was a testament to humility, service, and steadfast faith. His headstone bears the words of John 14:6:

"Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life."

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM, on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Crossroads Evangelical Covenant Church, 17445 Notre Dame St. NE, Forest Lake, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family interment at Victor Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Lake Beauty Bible camp at https://www.lbbc.com/donate