William Robert Sandell, 85

William Robert Sandell, 85, died Sunday evening, Nov. 22, 2009, at his home in Eureka. He was born at Casper, Wyo., to Lloyd and Grace (Deal) Sandell and later moved to Cut Bank with his family where he graduated from high school. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following his discharge, he attended the University of Montana, receiving a degree from there. He resided in Cut Bank for 50 years, working first in the oil fields and later for the City of Cut Bank and the U.S. Postal Service. He then resided in Essex for 14 years, retiring early due to ill health. He and his wife had made their home in Eureka for the past eight years. A gifted builder, he had built two of the homes they lived in; he also enjoyed the Montana outdoors where he liked to fish and pick huckleberries. Surviving him are his wife of 50 years, Vivian; his children, Kathy Totten and Jeff, and Betty Deaton, all of Eureka, Wilma Sandell of Kalispell, and Lloyd E. Sandell and Val of Bremerton, Wash.; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his daughter, Christian Sandell Jolly, in 2000; and a sister, Lucille Sandell. A family service will be scheduled at a later date. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is assisting the family with arrangements.