Robert E. Sandahl, Jr., 91, of Gurnee, IL, and formerly of North Chicago, IL passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 26, 2022 surrounded by his family following a remarkable and full life.  He was born on March 19, 1931 to Stella and Robert Sandahl, Sr. in North Chicago, IL.  He graduated from Holy Family Grade School and then Waukegan High School in 1948.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and honorably discharged in 1955.  On October 2, 1954, he was united in marriage to Juanita (nee Kubayko), a registered nurse from North Chicago where they raised their family of 5 children.  Robert worked alongside his father as an electrician until he started his new career as a firefighter in North Chicago from 1957 through 1987.  He advanced through the ranks of the department from Lieutenant to Fire Chief.  He received the North Chicago Chamber of Commerce Fireman of the Year in 1983. Robert's loyalty, dedication and love of his profession inspired many to enter the fire service, including his sons, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughters. He never stopped learning. He continued his education by attending night school at the College of Lake County in Grayslake and graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology in 1976.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science from Southern Illinois University in 1977.  Upon retirement as Fire Chief from the North Chicago Fire Department, he continued his community service, being elected to serve as Alderman on the North Chicago City Council. Robert was an active member of Holy Family, Queen of Peace and Most Blessed Trinity parishes.  He was truly devoted to community service and showed it through his involvement as a member of the North Chicago Lions Club, Third Degree Knight of Council #731 Knights of Columbus, Past-President of the North Chicago Seniors Association, Past-President of the Lake County Illinois Fire Chiefs' Association, retired member of the Illinois Professional Firefighters Association, member of the Waukegan Swedish Glee Club, Waukegan Moose Club, North Chicago Foundry Social Club, Waukegan KSKJ St. Mary's #79, and Gurnee American Legion Post 771. Robert is survived by his five children;  Kathleen (Hank) Govekar, Cynthia (Peter) Holod, Robert III (Susan), Mark (Judy) and Knute (Carol). He also leaves behind his ten grandchildren; H.R. (Colleen) Govekar, Heidi (Tony) DeGrande, Hans Holod, Jordan (Holod) DePratt, Holly Holod, Mark Sandahl, Sarah Sandahl, Rebecca Sandahl, Kyra Sandahl, Katelyn Sandahl and four great grandchildren; Henry and George Govekar and Ari and Isabella DeGrande. He is also survived by one sister in law; Sue Sandahl, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Juanita, his brother George and his parents Stella and Robert Sr.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to all of the medical staff at Claridge Health Center in Lake Bluff, Sanctuary Hospice and especially his caregiver, Lee, for their loving care during his time of need.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL. Fr. James Merold will officiate. He will be laid to rest immediately following the Mass at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Visitation will be on Friday, December 2, 2022, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at St. Patrick Church, 15000 Wadsworth Rd., in Wadsworth, IL.