David N. Sandlund, 84, a resident of Sturgeon Bay, WI, died on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in San Diego, CA.

Dave was born on Chicago’s South Side, the son of Swedish immigrants. He was raised in Chicago with his sister, Carol (Dr. Allen) Larson.

Dave began his law enforcement career with the Winnetka Police Department in 1964, then joined the Chicago Police Department in 1966, where he served for 33 years. He began his career as a Patrolman in the 20th District but spent most of his career as a Detective at “the old Area 6” at Belmont and Western. Dave was also assigned as a hostage negotiator. Many people knew Dave from the 1970s through the 2000s as he leaned against a barricade, smoking a cigar in front of the Aragon and Riviera in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. He spent much of his off-duty life working security in Chicago’s concert industry.

Dave and his wife eventually retired to Sturgeon Bay.

Dave is survived by his wife, Patricia (nee Melzer), a Sturgeon Bay native, whom he married in 1963, and their two children: Greg Sandlund of Chicago and Sara (Eduardo) Franqui of San Diego. He cherished his granddaughter, Lilian Franqui.

Funeral services will be private and limited to immediate family. A celebration of life gathering will be held in Chicago at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.