Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Keith Fredrick Sandahl, 85, died on June 27, 2025, surrounded by loving family members at home in Green Valley, Arizona. Keith faced the challenges of end-stage polycythemia vera with courage, grace, and gratitude for a rich and fulfilling life. Keith was known for his integrity, loyalty, honesty, and strong work ethic, all of which were complemented by his wry sense of humor.
Born on April 29, 1940, in Forest Grove, Oregon, Keith spent his formative years in the Portland area, where he cultivated a passion for mathematics and farming. After graduating from David Douglas High School in 1958, he spent the next 10 years earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Portland State University and serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as an aviation electronics technician. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he played a crucial role in communications and search and rescue operations.
Keith married Juliana (Plant) Sandahl in 1967, and together they built a life rich with family, hard work, and adventure. They moved with their daughter, Roxana, to Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 1968, for Keith’s civilian position with the Department of the Army at White Sands Missile Range, where he worked as a systems analyst on the U.S. anti-ballistic missile system. During their time in Las Cruces, the couple welcomed two more children, Carrie and Jason. Keith also pursued graduate studies in mathematics at New Mexico State University.
In 1974, longing to return to the Pacific Northwest and in pursuit of a dream, the family purchased a picturesque 24-acre orchard in Hood River, Oregon, where they cultivated cherries, apples, and pears. Keith not only designed and built their family home but augmented the orcharding income by working as a computer programmer. Keith was a valuable member of the community, demonstrating leadership as president of the Odell Lion’s Club, serving on the Hood River County School Board, and on the boards of Farmer’s Irrigation, Diamond Fruit, and Hood River Supply.
Keith and Juliana traveled widely, allowing them to explore the beauty of the world together. They ventured to destinations such as Costa Rica, Cook Islands, Swaziland, Denmark, and New Zealand, creating cherished memories along the way. When their children were teens, the family took a memorable RV trip to Banff, Canada. On the way, they traced the Columbia River all the way to its glacial source — where the stream was so narrow, they could jump across it.
In 2007, the couple sold their orchard to their son Jason and moved to Green Valley, Arizona, where they could enjoy the warm weather, gorgeous mountain ranges, and year-round golf. In his retirement, Keith enjoyed reading mystery thriller novels and volunteering at the Animal League of Green Valley. He was a recent coordinator of Green Valley golf group known as the “Niners,” where he fostered a spirit of fun and camaraderie among his cherished golf buddies.
When he could find the time, Keith also enjoyed lapidary work, hunting for rocks in New Mexico, Idaho, and Oregon. He relished the process of turning rough stones into polished beauties, marveling that “you can take something ugly and find something beautiful inside.” He was a member of the GVR Lapidary Club and Hiking Club. Additionally, his love for mathematics stayed with him throughout his life, as he enjoyed watching YouTube videos featuring mathematicians tackling complex algebra problems.
He is survived by his beloved spouse, Juliana Sandahl; daughters Roxana (Kelly) Buechler and their children Mitchell, Mason, and Jack, and Carrie (Christopher Preissing) Sandahl, and her children Gregory and Audrey; son Jason (Akiko) Sandahl and their children Leah and Ren; and sister Vanita Scholz. He also enjoyed visits with his 11 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fredrick and Hannah Elizabeth Sandahl; stepmother Helen Sandahl; and sister Ladonna (Gordon) McCarty; and brother Steven (Liz) Sandahl.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Tucson Southern Arizona VA Health Care System or the Lion’s Club International Foundation. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Arizona VA and Bristol Hospice for their exceptional care of Keith during his final days.
A memorial service will be held later this summer to honor and celebrate Keith’s remarkable life.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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