Jeremias "Jerry" Sandoval

Jeremias “Jerry” Sandoval, 74, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Stafford, Kansas. Jerry was born on August 4, 1952, to Francisco and Cleotilde (Payan) Sandoval in El Quelite, Balleza, Chihuahua, Mexico. As a child, he helped manage his family’s ranch, sparking a lifelong love of ranching and working with animals. At the age of 16, he moved to the United States, worked in construction and later in life earned a certificate in welding and machining from Hutchinson Community College. On January 24, 1980, Jerry married Rachel Grace Stuart in Dodge City, Kansas. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage and three children.

Jerry was a resident of Stafford, Kansas, since 1989 and spent his career working in construction. He built elevators and welded for Borton Construction. He was a roughneck in the oil fields in 1980's. Then he went back to elevators and construction. His exceptional work ethic and vast skills made him highly sought after, taking him to job sites all over the United States and other parts of the world. His bosses often commented that he did the work of two to three men. Despite his remarkable abilities, Jerry remained humble and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Outside of work, Jerry found great joy in raising animals on his hobby farm. Over the years, he cared for horses, goats, sheep, chickens, a llama, donkey, and cattle. He even raised a miniature horse for his grandchildren to enjoy. Known for his creativity, ingenuity, and resourcefulness, Jerry could build or make just about anything he needed for his farm and family.

Above all, Jerry’s children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy. He devoted countless hours to teaching them valuable skills, passing down knowledge and traditions (like making tamales at Christmas) that will continue for generations. He was proud to become a United States citizen in 2008. His garage was always open to family and visitors, who were often welcomed with a home-cooked meal prepared on his homemade stove. Jerry’s generosity, craftsmanship, and love for his family left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Survivors include his wife, Rachel; sons, Michael of Lawrence, Kansas, Ambrose (Amanda) of Stafford; daughters, Lydia (Steve) Dietz of Mount Hope, Rebecca of Hutchison, Kansas; siblings, Jesus, Francisco, Samuel, Emelia, Maria Elena/Pila all of Mexico, and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Berta, Elisha, Sara, Tomas and Joel.

Visitation will be held Monday, October 12, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Both will take place at Whitewater Community Church, 703 E. Central Street, Whitewater, Kansas 67154. Interment will follow at Swiss Cemetery in Whitewater.