Ryne Dee Sandberg

On July 28, 2025, this world lost a man of great character, principle and -- above all -- love. Ryne Sandberg -- the father of five and No. 23 -- departed at 5:23 p.m., having offered everything he had to his wife, his children, his grandchildren, the game of baseball, the Chicago Cubs and the City of Chicago. But it would be a grand disservice if he was remembered only because of his baseball talent. In truth, he was a Hall of Fame husband, father, grandfather and friend, a man who cared deeply for those in his life, and those he encountered in his travels. Just as he played the game of baseball, his devotion to all that he loved is what truly defined him. He lived to please others. He lived to be with others. He lived to love others. In good times and bad, his wife Margaret sustained him and helped him to find his true happiness. His children, B.R., Adriane, Lindsey, Justin and Steven, buoyed him. His 11 grandchildren lifted him to heights he never dreamed of as an athlete. His life in baseball, which occupied so many decades as player and manager, gave way to a new life, one of freedom, family and friends, filled with happiness and goals of a different kind, the kind outside public life -- and a focus only on joy, of watching little ones dance in recitals, of watching children play soccer, lacrosse, football, basketball and baseball. Block parties and neighborhood events in the Chicago suburbs were suddenly the norm, where a superhero could mingle as mere mortal, a gift he could have never envisioned receiving even a few years prior, but one that kept on giving to the end, a sense of belonging and community that was in turn so comforting. Ryne Dee Sandberg, 65, of humble and quiet beginnings, lived a full and remarkable life. The smalltown kid from Spokane, Washington, was in the end as he always was, smiling, joking and unassuming -- as God made him and kept him. Devoted husband of Margaret (nee Facio); beloved father of B.R. (Katie), Adriane, Lindsey (Adam), Justin (Ashley) and Steven (Megan); deeply adored pappi of Joshua, Owen, Micah, Nathan, Eli, Brooklyn, Weston, Stella, Bode, Roman and Adylan. He is survived by sister Maryl (Tom) and brother Del (Julie), and preceded in death by parents Derwent and Elizabeth, and brother Lane. The family appreciates you respecting their privacy at this difficult time, but invites you to witness the funeral Mass on Aug. 22 at 9:30 a.m., on the Gallagher Way video board, adjacent to Wrigley Field. Given that it was a passion of Ryne and Margaret, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate non-perishable food items on that day at Gallagher Way to the following food pantries: Most Blessed Trinity Food Pantry (Waukegan) and Nourishing Hope (Lake View). None of us will be the same without him, but we are so grateful to have had him as long as we did. We accompanied him on his journey through this world, a grant he shared unselfishly, so many millions of fans experiencing joy through his time on Earth. God has him now as he rests beautifully in peace. Only one can imagine the conversation as they discuss pitching, defense and the hit-and-run. May his hands always be golden, his feet swift and his heart full of love, our Ryne, our dearly departed.

Ryne Dee Sandberg

September 18, 1959 - July 28, 2025