He was born on April 11, 1976 in Sterling, IL, the son of Gary L. and Evonne M. (Hilger) Sandrock. He was a graduate of Rock Falls High School in 1994, obtained his associates degree at Blackhawk Community College East, and was a 1998 graduate of the University of Illinois. He married Traci L. Fritsch on June 23, 2001 in Rock Falls at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Ben was a hardworking, cowboy hat wearing, family man who worked alongside his brother (Matt) and son (Connor) at Sandrock Farms/Sauk Valley Angus. He had deep faith and a love of purebred Angus cattle, fishing, snow skiing, and being surrounded by his family and friends. His wife, three children, and two granddaughters, were the light of his life. Ben lit up every room with his infectious laugh and phenomenal storytelling. Ben was loved dearly by his family, friends, and anyone who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Traci; son, Sean Sandrock; daughter, Breanna (Caleb) Torres; granddaughters, Adalynn and Avery Torres; father, Gary (Kathy) Sandrock; mother Evonne Cox; brothers: Matthew (Amanda) Sandrock, Nathan Sandrock, Zach (Kelsey) Sandrock; sister, Faith (Tyler) Dambman; uncles, Greg (Kris) Sandrock, Henry (Tracy) Hilger, Jay (Jackie) King; aunts: Evette (Ken) VonHolten; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; paternal grandparents: Jay and Chris King, and Judy Grummert; maternal grandmother: Elaine Hilger; mother and father in law, Tom and Melodie Fritsch.
He was preceded in death by his son, Connor Sandrock; paternal grandparents: Lowell and Dorothy Sandrock; maternal grandfather: Paul Hilger.
Visitation will be held on Friday April 17, 2026 from 3-7 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown. A short visitation will also be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown from 9-10 a.m., with the funeral to follow at 10:00 a.m., with the Reverend Greg Olson officiating. Burial will conclude at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the church. Arrangements entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory
Memorials may be made in his memory to Ronald McDonald House and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Condolences can be shared at mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
2 Responses
Traci all I can say is that my prayers are with you
This is so sad!
Terry & Lorraine Gaskill