Louis “Lou” Christopher Sandoval Jr., 73, of Belvidere, Ill., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 12, 1951, in Tooele, Utah, the son of Louis and Dora Sandoval Sr. He grew up in Alamosa, Colo., graduating from Alamosa High school in 1970.
Lou was proud of his athletic accomplishments in high school track and wrestling, winning several state championships. After graduation, he was enlisted to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps advancing to Corporal during the Vietnam War and other posts afterwards. He received an Honorable discharge from service in 1975.
Following his service, he enrolled at the University of Southern Colorado finishing with a degree in diesel mechanics and at Adam State University. His work as a carpenter took him all over the United States for several years during which time he made a lot of friends, visited relatives and had great adventures.
He met the love of his life, Rose Marie Stevens, for a brief time in 1973 and reunited with her, in 1987 resulting in a wonderful love story spanning almost 19 years until her death in 2005.
Louie collected Conan the Barbarian comic books as well as collectable die cast cars. He enjoyed spending time with his family, going fishing, and taking long bike rides in nature.
He was fiercely protective of family and friends and would do anything for those he loved and respected.
He is dearly loved and missed by his daughter, Dawn (Mike) Harris; grandchildren, Samantha (Adrian) Maciel, Joshua (Ruby) Harris, Kayla (Alex) Jones, Catherine (Billy) Evans, Jesse Harris; great-grandchildren, Xander Atchison, Lila Atchison, Michael Maciel, Louie Maciel, Lilliah Morhardt, Bella Evans, Oliver Evans; sister, Deborah (Cliff) Hart; brothers, Steven Sandoval, Benjamin Sandoval.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rose; son, Joshua; parents Louis and Dora; and sister, Marcia. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.
A military Honor Salute for his service in the Marines will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 9, 2024, in front of the VFW in Belvidere, Ill., followed by a Celebration of Life Ceremony and buffet luncheon at his Granddaughter’s home in Rockford, Ill. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in his honor.
