Samuel "Sam" Sandberg

Born: May 11, 1952  Died: March 13, 2025

Samuel Sandberg, husband, father, and respected physician, passed away on March 13, 2025, in DeWitt, Iowa, at the age of 72. Born in Pusan, South Korea, on May 11, 1952, Sam's journey brought him to the United States at the tender age of two. He spent his formative years in Pennsylvania before moving to Davenport, Iowa, during his junior high school years.
Sam's academic pursuits were marked by a dedication to excellence. After graduating from Davenport West High School in 1970, he continued his education at St. Ambrose University, earning his degree in 1974. His passion for medicine led him to the University of Iowa College of Medicine, where he graduated in 1978. Sam completed his residency at Davenport Family Practice in 1981, setting the stage for a career in medicine.
Sam's professional life was as rich and varied as his personal interests. From 1981 to 1990, he practiced family medicine in Lowden and Lost Nation, delivering babies and providing compassionate care to his patients. His career took him to Maquoketa Medical Center, Dyersville Mercy Health Center, Commodore Cruise Lines, and Work Fitness Center. Sam also served at the Acute Care Center at Dubuque Medical Associates from 1990 to 1998. He concluded his medical practice at Genesis Convenient Care in Davenport and Bettendorf, retiring in 2015 after a fulfilling career.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sam was a man of many passions. He was a generous individual, always ready to share his time, talent, and resources. An active member of the United Church of Christ Maquoketa, he served on various committees, contributing to the life of the church. Sam's love of tennis led him to create the Maquoketa Community High School Tennis program, where he was the head coach for three years.
Sam's zest for life was evident in his legendary St. Patrick's Day parties, which he hosted for nearly two decades. A passionate Beatles fan, he attended The Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago annually for nearly 30 years and was an avid collector of Hard Rock Café pins. His musical talent shone through as a guitarist in local bands, and he was a fervent supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes and all Chicago professional sports teams. Travel was another of Sam's joys, and he explored the United States, Europe, Central America, and the Galápagos Islands.
On June 29, 1974, Sam married the love of his life, Susan "Sue" Tulk, in Long Grove, Iowa. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Sarah and Sheri, who brought immense joy to his life. Sam's family grew to include his cherished granddaughter, Alice Siegel, who held a special place in his heart. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sue Sandberg of Maquoketa, IA; his daughters, Sarah Sandberg of Maquoketa, IA, and Sheri (Antoine) Siegel of Luxembourg, EU; his granddaughter, Alice Siegel; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna and Joseph Shaffer of Taylor Ridge, IL; and two nephews. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Ann Sandberg.
A celebration of his life will be held on St. Patrick's Day at 11 AM, Monday, March 17, 2025, at United Church of Christ in Maquoketa. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10 AM at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family burial will be held at a later date at the Davenport, Iowa Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Sam Sandberg memorial fund has been established.