Darlyce Joyce Sandrock of Novato, CA, left her earthly life on July 12, 2018, in her words “ready to fly to Jesus on butterfly wings” following six months of declining health. Darlyce was born on September 3, 1921, in Readlyn, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Amanda Frese, from whom she learned to lead a Christ-centered life. After graduating from Waverly High School in 1939, Darlyce attended Wartburg College for one year and then went to work at the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. After dating for 3 years, she married the love of her life Sigmund G. Sandrock on August 30, 1942, in Waverly, Iowa.
Darlyce became a strong partner to support Sig’s ministry, called to serve six congregations in Wisconsin, California, and Grand Bahama Island. The two were deeply devoted to each other, writing journal entries to share day-to-day thoughts and finding time for date nights. Following Sig’s death in 1979, Darlyce showed her inner strength and independence as she became administrative assistant to two bishops of the South Pacific District of the American Lutheran Church, serving until her retirement in 1988, when she moved to San Francisco to be closer to two of her five children and return to her Northern California home.
Her passions included drama, reading, and sports – both participating and viewing. Darlyce had her first paid performance as an actor at the age of 11 as Rip Van Winkle’s daughter when a traveling show came to Waverly. She continued in various roles even after retirement. Darlyce kept very active throughout her life with swimming, golf, ping pong, and especially tennis (only stopping her weekly tennis games at age 85).
Darlyce lived her advice that family should be “the focal point, sharing activities, conversations, all being close to God.” Her faith became woven into the fabric of all in her family. She is survived by her five children, Pamela (Larry) Dannenberg, San Francisco, CA; Kathy Dean, Novato, CA; Cherrie (Bruce) Birkman, Holmes Beach, FL; Paul (Jean) Sandrock, Middleton, WI; and Sigrid (Dave) Helgeson, Bremerton, WA; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Darlyce shared often her favorite verse: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. In 1990 she wrote this wish for the future: “I want to leave happy memories with my family and friends. I want them to see me as a loving mother and grandmother that truly cared about them and tried to guide them, encourage, and support them.” The celebration of her life will take place on September 1, 11:00 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 2 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to:
• California Lutheran University Sigmund G. and Darlyce J. Sandrock Memorial Scholarship (Endowment Fund Number 60-54615, California Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Road #1625, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787)
• Kerry’s Kids (go to www.kerryskids.org for donation instructions)
• All Saints Lutheran Church, 2 San Marin Drive, Novato, CA 94945
• Your favorite charity
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