Gregory D. Sandkam

The son of Frances & Robert Sandkam, Greg was born in Chicago and spent his youth in Tower Lakes IL, Bon Air, VA, and Barrington,IL.  A 1969 alumnus of Barrington Consolidated High School, Greg graduated from SIU-C in 1974.  He was employed for over 25 years by Gamma Photo Labs inChicago before returning to school to earn a teaching certificate and begin a new career teaching 7th grade Social Studies at Round Lake and John T. McGee Middle Schools, a vocation he loved passionately.

Greg was known for his quick wit, corny puns, and sage wisdom.  He maintained and treasured many fast and lasting friendships.  He loved his pets as his children.  Greg married Ellen Kusmerz on August 16, 1984 and they resided in the Barrington area ever since.

Greg passed away at home in Tower Lakes on December 14, 2020.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother (Robert);and a stepson, Bill Kusmerz.  He is survived by his wife, Ellen “Sweet Cheeks”; siblings, Bruce (Susan), Aleta (Ron) Blue, Jeff (Tracy), and Marla (David) Thoma; stepchildren, Bob (Nancy) Kusmerz, Lisa (Richard) Horn; stepgrandchildren, Danielle (Robbie) Robinson, Kyle and Christopher Kusmerz, Sarah and Richard, Jr. Horn; and great step children,Justin and Tyler.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be held on Saturday, December 19, at 4:30 pm with a time of visiting to begin at 3:00 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St., Barrington.  For those who are unable to attend on Saturday, another memorial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Greg’s memory may be made to Save-a-Pet at www.saveapetil.org or by mail at Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, P.O. Box 266 Grayslake, IL 60030. Or Helping Paws Animal Shelter at www.helpingpaws.net or by mail at Helping Paws Animal Shelter, 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098.