Joel Sanda

Joel Richard Sanda, 70, of Idaho Falls, passed away, after a long battle with lung cancer, on January 10, 2011, at his home with his daughter and sister at his side. He was born August 12, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland to Francis Joseph Sanda and Eleanor M. Richard Sanda. He grew up in the area and attended St. Wenceslaus Elementary School and Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School. Joel served in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer assigned to the Nuclear Submarines, USS Tinosa and USS Narwhal. He married Dolores A. Foreman on February 18, 1961, in Baltimore. At the time of their marriage, Joel was serving in the U.S. Navy. Throughout their marriage they lived in Bolston, N.Y.; Kittery, Maine; Groton, Conn.; and Idaho Falls. In 1976, Joel retired and they returned to Idaho Falls. They were later divorced. He married Linda Cutler Koster in Idaho Falls, Idaho and they were later divorced. He worked at the Baltimore Sun Paper as a Copy Boy. He later worked in the construction industry for Weatheral Steel and helped build the Memorial Stadium where the Colts and Orioles played. Joel worked at INEL for many years retiring in 2001. He was also a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He was actively involved with the Jeep Patrol and volunteered at the Museum of Idaho. Joel enjoyed fishing, photography, taxidermy, hunting with his brother, and eating the crabcakes with macaroni and cheese that his sister made for him. He also enjoyed spending time with his dogs, Shadow and Midnight . For 24 years, Joel opened his home at Christmastime for people to see his Christmas display of trains and miniature villages. He became known as “The Train Man”. He welcomed the company of thousands of school children, families, and military personnel into his home day or night. Survivors are: Daughter: Denise M. Sanda, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Jeffrey A. Sanda, Salt Lake City, UT Grandchildren: Jeramy and Jaxson Sanda Sister: Leona (George) McClelland, Felton, PA Sister-in-law: Carla Sanda, Denver, CO and many nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Frances; brother, Frank; stepmother, Hazel Sanda; and stepfather, Frank Catalfo. A celebration of life open house will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 14, 2011, at the Museum of Idaho (200 N. Eastern Ave.). Burial will be at a later date in Idaho. &nbsp Born: August 12, 1940&nbsp Place of Birth: Baltimore, MD&nbsp Death: January 10, 2011&nbsp Place of Death: Idaho Falls, ID

Memorial Services

Friday January 14, 2011 , 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Museum of Idaho Burial will be at a later date. Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.