Leonard Carl Sjostrom

Leonard Carl Sjostrom (Len), a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away at his home in North Augusta, South Carolina, on February 28, 2024. Born on August 21, 1944, at the Lying-In Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Len's journey touched the hearts of all who knew him.

Len is survived by his adoring and devoted spouse, Nancy Vaught Sjostrom, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage. Len considered meeting and marrying Nancy a profound blessing. He often expressed gratitude to the Lord for aligning their paths. Len leaves behind a legacy of love through his children Leonard Carl Sjostrom, Jr. (wife Erin) and Matthew Wade Sjostrom (wife Arica), his stepdaughters Stephanie Dabbs (Lemuel) and Nichole Tootle (Michael), his cherished grandchildren Maggie, Will, Wade, Hugh, Heather, Todd, Ryan, Zach, Logan, Dylan, Kyle (deceased), Maggie and Reef, and his precious great grandchildren  Ansley, Bennett, Reid, and Aspen. He is also survived by his sister Doris Sjostrom Gilfilian and her husband George, along with nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own children.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Len graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968, embarking on a distinguished career that started on submarines and ended with him recruiting the next generation of naval nuclear power engineers. After 28 years of active service, he retired as a U.S. Navy Captain (Reserves). After retiring from active duty, Len began another government career where he equally excelled in various managerial roles at the Department of Energy Savannah River Site. Len's commitment to his country brought pride to him and his family.

Beyond the military, he served as a self-appointed Sea Scout reunion chairman, a Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, and a Sunday School teacher. Len relished his annual sailing trips with friends and family, crafting and woodworking with his father's tools, extensive international travel, and, most importantly, quality time with his cherished family whom he never missed a chance to be with or celebrate. In his later years, Len could often be found soaking in the view of the marina and open water from the balcony of his Hilton Head Island condo.

A memorial service to celebrate Len's life will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Rowland-Ford Funeral Home, 637 W Martintown Road, North Augusta, SC 29841. Following the service, Len's family invites close friends to a reception at The Crowne Plaza North Augusta, 1060 Center Street, North Augusta, South Carolina 29841.

In lieu of flowers, Len has requested donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or through the organization's website: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. The family expresses gratitude for the support and condolences during this challenging time.

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