Daryl William “Bill” Sandberg passed away in Mountain Home, Arkansas, on January 4 at age 76. He was born on November 14, 1945, in Anoka, Minnesota.
Sandberg was a prominent figure in O&P, working for 45 years in various capacities. He achieved his status as a certified prosthetist in 1974 after completing programs at New York University and Northwestern University. Early in his career, he worked for Otto Bock and Winkley Orthopedic Laboratories in Minneapolis/St. Paul. In 1978, he started Sandberg Prosthetic Services, a prosthetic central fabrication company that grew from its beginnings in a residential garage into a national industry leader.
In 1997, Sandberg began SPT Technology, focusing on the manufacture and distribution of products that supported the O&P profession, building the business into a global venture serving clients in 20 countries.
He left an indelible mark on O&P education as well, as the first of three instructors in 1974 that founded Century College’s O&P technician program. Additionally, he served as president of the Northern Plains chapter of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.
Sandberg retired from O&P in 2011, and with his wife, Mary Van Horne, split his time between residences in Priest River, Idaho, and Mountain Home.
He is survived by his wife, sons, Don (Johanna) and Tom (Ann), and five grandchildren.
Arrangements are being made for a public celebration of life this summer in Minneapolis.
