Phillip "Phil" Sandquist, Jr

Phillip Andrew Sandquist, Jr. passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025 at the age of 88. Phil was born on December 19, 1936 to Beaulah (Yolanda) Fontana Sandquist and Philip Sandquist, Sr. in Des Moines, Iowa.

Phil was a life-long tinkerer and fixer of everything. He was known for sharing his homegrown tomatoes and always helping others. He enjoyed fishing, RAGBRAI, and volunteering at the Iowa State Fair. Phil grew up on the East side of Des Moines graduating from East High School in 1955. He worked for FELCO Feed in Fort Dodge, Iowa and served in the Army from 1960-1962 where he developed an interest in telecommunications. Phil was united in marriage to Coleen (Reeves) on August 12, 1962 and welcomed Coleen’s 8-year old son, Gary, into his life and daughter, Sara, was born the following year. Phil attended Iowa State University and completed a technical communications program before beginning his career as an engineer with Northwestern Bell where he worked for 26 years. After retirement in 1989, Phil worked for various cell phone companies for 10 years.

Phil loved his family and supported them in all their interests, activities and endeavors, never missing an event or celebration. He was a devoted husband to Coleen for 62 years; a loving father to Sara (Steve) Kelly and Gary (Karma) Nelson; a proud grandfather to Kate (Bryce) Rowland, Alex Kelly, David (Fonda) Nelson, Angila Moffitt, and April (Andrew) Lewis; and his 11 great-grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, David Sandquist and Gary Sandquist; and his sister, Marie Hill.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday February 20, 2025 at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation prior from 10 to 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow the funeral and burial will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a fitting tribute to be decided at a later date. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Phil was a cherished family member and a beloved friend to many. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.

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