Roy Sangmeister, age 78, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Roy Clarence Sangmeister was born Aug. 21, 1945 in Joliet, Illinois. Roy was born in a Christian family. His parents Clarence and Marie were founding members at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frankfort, IL where he was a lifelong member. He served several terms as secretary and financial secretary for the church.

Roy graduated from Peotone High School in 1963, Joliet Junior College in 1965, and University of Illinois in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics. Roy served in the Army from 1968-1970. During that time he was involved with the Vietnam War for 11 months where he earned a Purple Heart in combat. He was employed at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, IL from 1975-2000 as office supervisor. There he met Tammy Eisenbarth whom he married on Nov. 3,1990. He also served as Green Garden Township Supervisor from 1977-1990.

Roy was a member of Manhattan American Legion Post 935, Manhattan Historical Society, lifetime member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Will County Threshermans Association, and Peotone FFA Alumni.

One item on his life bucket list that he was able to achieve was to purchase a neighboring farm at auction with a friend and his 2 nephews. He also enjoyed collecting coins, starting at a young age. Updating the family genealogy was also an ongoing endeavor. Checking out his friend's, brother's and nephew's farming were important stops especially during planting and harvesting.

He was a fan of the Bears, Cubs, and Fighting Illini. He was able to watch Illinois win over Iowa State during the Elite Eight.

Survived by his loving wife, Tammy Sangmeister (nee Eisenbarth), sisters, Jeanette Brandau, Arlene Sangmeister, Marilyn (Dale) Mills, brother, Ralph (Linda) Sangmeister, mother-in-law, Barb Lichter, brothers-in-law, Joe (Bea) Eisenbarth, Douglas Eisenbarth, sisters-in-law, Angela Sackfield, Amy (Mike) Pagan, Sherri Eisenbarth, Tricia (Dan) McConnell, and Chris (Tony) Brandenberg. Nephews and nieces, Barry Brandau, Jeff (Dana) Brandau, Corey (Amy) Brandau, Brian (Marisa) Sangmeister, Melissa Fernandez, Michelle Aguilar, Patrick Eisenbarth, Sarah Eisenbarth, Britni Foley, Abby Lavendar, Tanner McConnell, Sean McConnell, Ryan Eisenbarth. Also many cousins, grand nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Marie Sangmeister father-in-law Ron Eisenbarth, nephew Todd Brandau, brother-in-law Arthur (Mick) Brandau.

Pallbearers include Barry Brandau, Jeff Brandau, Corey Brandau, Brian Sangmeister, Ralph Sangmeister, and Bruce Wille. Honorary pallbearers- Xander Foley and Ryan Eisenbarth

Pastor Kevin Hahn from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frankfort, IL, will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Manhattan American Legion Post 935, and Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital would be most appreciated.

Visitation for Roy will take place on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 2-6:00 P.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan.

Funeral service will take place the following day, Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frankfort. Roy will lie-in-state from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service. Interment with full military honors and committal service will immediately follow at 2:00 P.M. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.