Mary E. Sandahl

Mary Ellen Sandahl of Orion, died peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Crosstown Square in Silvis. She was 96 years old.

Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MercyOne Genesis Hospice or Orion United Methodist Church.

She was born Mary Ellen Martin in Coal Valley on August 13, 1929, to Edwin W. and Margaret (Cook) Martin.

Mary met Bill Sandahl at the roller-skating rink in Coal Valley and they married on October 17, 1948. They had one daughter, Lana.

Mary worked at the Bank of Orion for over 35 years. She was a faithful member of the Orion United Methodist Church. She loved to cook, bake and decorate with flair. She loved her hometown of Orion and was thoughtful and generous to everyone.

She is survived by Lana Sandahl of San Francisco (partner Marcy Fraser); nephews, Larry and Terry Anderson; nieces, Lolly Weihler, Rosalind Hurley, Connie Drumm and many other extended family members and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Bill and her brother Bob Martin and sister Evelyn Kuhlman.

The family would like to thank Crosstown Square, MercyOne Genesis Hospice; the many helpers and caregivers, formal and informal and everyone who came to help. It truly takes a village.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.