Thomas J. "T.J." Sandstoe
November 07, 2015
T.J. Sandstoe, 16, passed away on November 7, 2015. He was born September 1, 1999, to Elizabeth von Harz and Bradley Sandstoe.
T.J. was currently a sophomore at Johnston High School. He was a wrestler and spent many of his childhood years at wrestling tournaments where he made it to the state championships. T.J. had a love for the outdoors. When he wasn’t with his friends, he enjoyed archery, hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. He also had a love for animals, especially his hunting dog, Amber.
T.J. and his sister, Brooke, had an unbreakable bond. He was also very close with his cousins and loved spending time with his family.
His memory will be cherished by his dad, Brad (Kim Stevens) Sandstoe; mom, Elizabeth von Harz; sister, Brooke Sandstoe; paternal grandparents, Dean (Nancy) Sandstoe; maternal grandparents, John (Susan) von Harz; great-grandma, Marjorie Sandstoe; aunts and uncles, John and Keli von Harz and their children, Isabella and Tucker; Rob von Harz and his children, Madilyn, Ethan and Liam; as well as countless friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, with a private family burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be received by the family to establish a scholarship fund in loving memory of T.J.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kirsta & Andy Chandler
11/12/2015
Dear Brad, Liz and Brookie,
We heard of TJ's passing and we are utterly heart broken. So many memories of the kids hanging out with us and playing with Megan and baby Sarah. Your family holds a special place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Love forever.
Kay Schweers
11/12/2015
Liz, Sue, John and family, please accept our sincere sympathy on the loss of your son and grandson. I cannot imagine the grief you must endure. Please know that many classmates and friends are sending prayers for your family.
Ann Gilbert
11/12/2015
Liz,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Gina Witte and Lonnie Hartsock
11/11/2015
Liz, We are so sorry and saddened to hear about TJ. Praying for you and your family. Sorry we cannot attend the services but we want you to know we are with you in spirit. Love you!!!!
Stahlbaum family
11/11/2015
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of T.J. We will carry with us the fond memories we have of him over the years the boys spent together.
Julie Fosness
11/11/2015
Liz, I don't have words to say how sorry I am to hear about TJ. I have the best memories of TJ and Brooke. Both of them will always have a special place in my heart, you made me feel like family when I was at Drake. I will never forget your little blonde boy who was full of energy and had the sweetest smile. I wish I could be there to give you a hug, but you will be in my prayers.
John & Gloria Gardner
11/11/2015
We are the grandparents of Jared Gardner. Our sympathy and heartfelt love goes out to your whole family. God be with you!
Angie Stanton
11/11/2015
My son Connor is good friends with Brooke, and my son Blake was close to TJ. We are so sorry for your loss and have been praying for all of you. Please know that Blake has good memories with TJ and that he was truly loved by his buddies. He will be missed.
Rod and Jyll Miner Family
11/11/2015
Liz, Brad & Brooke - Our deepest sympathies to you all. Seems like only yesterday TJ and Gwynna were going to Pre-K. We know that no words can help ease the pain & loss that you are feeling right now. You all are in our every prayer and heartfelt thought.
Lisa La Pree, Jacob Lewis
11/11/2015
My son Jacob went to school with TJ all these years. We are just so very sorry and saddened to hear of TJ's passing. There are no words of comfort, but we just wanted you to know that we and so many others are holding you close in our thoughts and prayers. God's peace be with you.
Rita Garrett Carlson
11/10/2015
Liz-I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Please know that I am praying for you and your entire family.
Andrea Millang
11/10/2015
Liz, Brad, & Brooke,
I knew you years ago, when the kids were just little and I went to Drake. Julie would watch Brooke and TJ and I'd babysit Grace & Corrine Hunt across the street. I'm so sad to hear of TJ's passing and have been praying for you, hoping you're surrounded with love and support.
Marilyn John
11/10/2015
Liz, so long ago we were in touch. I am saddened by the news of your loss. It is difficult to know your depth of sorrow. I wish you peace and comfort with all who knew him and believed in him.
The Pohlmeyer Family
11/10/2015
Elliott, Henry, Michelle, and I are saddened by the loss of TJ. However, we are left with many fond memories of him.
We will remember TJ as having a strong spirit and will. We will remember him as a hard worker who strived to achieve. We will remember him as being polite and respectful. We will remember him as both a serious and humorous young man. We will remember his game face and his wonderful smile.
While, this is a great loss to the Pohlmeyer family, and clearly to the Johnston community and beyond, we are thankful for the great memories we have of TJ.
Chad, Dyanne, Brittany & Tyler Martin
11/10/2015
Brad, Liz & Brooke- We're thinking of all of you during this time. We are sending prayers your way.