Norman W. Sandvoss,

Norman W. Sandvoss Jr., 67 years of age, passed away June 7, 2010 at Akron City Hospital at 1:00 AM. He was the oldest of three siblings of the late Norman W. Sandvoss Sr. and the late Margaret (Coffield) Sandvoss. He was born on August 17th, 1942 in Oak Park, Illinois, and graduated from Shawnee High School in Lima, Ohio in 1960. He subsequently graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration and Ohio Northern University Petit College of Law where he graduated in 1968 with J.D. degree. He was a sixth grade teacher until he moved to Kent, Ohio and joined the law firm of Loomis, Jones, Poland, Wison and Griffith in 1969. Norman struck out on his own in 1976 primarily practicing personal injury litigation in the neighboring city of Ravenna. Norman was a force to be reckoned with when it came to the law. Bill Lentz joined Norman in the practice within several years. Together they purchased Kreinberg Jewelry Store in downtown Ravenna and made it their law office in 1985. Norman always felt that "Giving Back" was more than just a phrase. Norman was a present member and past President and Secretary Treasurer of the Portage County Bar Association and present member of the Ohio State Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and the Ohio Association for Justice where he served on its board. Norman was the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2000. Norman also received the first Humanitarian Award given by the Portage County Bar Association in 2003. Norman and his family have been members of Faith Lutheran Church since 1970 where he was Past President and Present Secretary. Norman received the Faithful Service Award in 1984. Norman was past Chairman of the Portage County Republican Party for 13 years from which he recently retired and was a present member of the Republican State Central Committee. Norman was the former chairman of the Portage County Board of Elections. Norman was a fairly recent member of the Kent Rotary Club. Norman was a present Board Member of Portage County Children's Advocacy Center, Board Member and 1995 graduate of Leadership Portage County, present Board Member and Past President of Robinson Memorial Hospital Foundation, past Board Member of Kent Board of Health, Kent Social Services, Portage County Children's Services, Portage County Visiting Nurses, Boys and Girls Club, and the American Red Cross. Norman was also past member and Chairman of the Kent Charter Review Committee. Norman originated and organized The Tribe Warriors Baseball Trip for 20 of his closest pals and they traveled all around the United States following the Cleveland Indians. A trip to Baltimore to watch the Tribe was just completed 3 weeks ago. Norman was the Pied Piper of the Tribe Warriors and all the friends who went on these trips became very close and enjoyed Norman's hospitality for the entire length of the trip. Norman was a renowned Euchre player and would challenge anyone to a game and the game was guaranteed to be fun. Norman was a life member of The Ohio State University Alumni Club and enjoyed going to many home and away games including the Rose Bowl with the love of his life, his wife Linda. Norman and Linda met while they were attending The Ohio State University Branch Campus in Lima, Ohio. They were married on December 17, 1966 and had three children, Christina (Joe Montrone), Steven (deceased), and Sharon. Norman and Linda had many traveling adventures allover the world and had a special fondness for the St. Petersburg Beach, Florida area where they own a getaway condo. Norman and Linda especially enjoyed his favorite beach restaurant Woody's. He is survived by wife Linda Sandvoss, and his two daughters, Christina Sandvoss Montrone of St. Petersburg and Sharon Sandvoss of Mt. Aires, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth (Diane Reipenhoff) Sandvoss, and sister, Donna (Robert) Stoddard both of Lima, Ohio and several nieces and nephews. He was an outstanding person and will be sorely missed by his multitude of wonderful friends. When Norman arrived at the Pearly Gates, God said "Well Done". God called him home too soon. Calling hours will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday, June 10th at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home in Kent. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, June 11th at Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor George Gaiser and Pastor Kent Wartick officiating. Private burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 931 E. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240 or RMH Foundation, POB 1204, Ravenna, OH 44266-1204.