Sandra K. Huisman
1957 - 2016
Sandra K. Huisman
1957 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1957
DIED
2016
Sandra Huisman Obituary
West Des Moines
Sandra K. Huisman passed away early July 28, 2016 at age 59. After a challenging cancer diagnosis met with a positive desire towards life, her journey ended peacefully at Kavanagh House.
Sandy was born in Park Ridge, Illinois. She attended school in Mount Prospect, Illinois before attending Iowa State University where she received a Bachelor's degree in food and nutrition. While in attendance at Iowa State, Sandy met her husband, Terry and they married in August of 1979. After marriage, Sandy and Terry resided in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Sandy completed her dietetic internship. In 1980 they permanently relocated to the Des Moines area where Sandy completed her Master's degree in Education and they began their family with the birth of their children, Daniel and Emily. Sandy worked at Iowa Lutheran Hospital as a dietitian and later at Iowa Methodist Medical Center as the Clinical Nutrition Manager. In 2008, she began her role as Director of Food and Nutrition Management for Des Moines Public Schools. In 2016, she received the School Nutrition Association Director of the Year for the State of Iowa. In her spare time Sandy enjoyed gardening, reading, water aerobics and spending time with her friends and family.
She is survived by her husband Terry Huisman; son Daniel Huisman (Alexandra); daughter Emily Meier (David); mother Janet Heideman; mother-in-law Ruth Huisman; sister Judy Gateiu (Ioan); brother Jim Heideman (Martha); sister Bonnie Heideman; sister-in-law Gail Huisman; and several nieces and nephews. Sandy was preceded in death by her father Raymond Heideman; father-in-law Ralph Huisman; and brother-in-law Bruce Huisman.
Visitation will be Monday, August 1, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Windsor United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sandy Huisman to John Stoddard Cancer Center, Powell 3, for the benefit of other cancer patients.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Carolyn Pearce
August 6, 2016
The best memories in my life was being raised in Mount Prospect with Sandy and all of the Heidemans .My heart is broken. I will never forget Sandy. I was so happy when she met and marriade Terry.. God bless.
Jama Knerr
August 2, 2016
Please accept my warmest condolences, I'm sending thoughts of peace and strength your way.
Micki Carrington
August 1, 2016
Sandy will be greatly missed by her colleagues in school nutrition. She was a leader and mentor. Sandy could be depended upon to provide a listening ear and wise guidance. I am saddened by her passing but the photo of her smiling face with mountains in the background brings me joy--Sandy leaves us with a strong legacy and wonderful memories.
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Molly Pelzer
August 1, 2016
On behalf of the staff at Midwest Dairy Council, I'd like to share our sadness. Sandy worked with us for many years in her many roles as a dietitian. We admired her for her passion and leadership. In recent years we collaborated around the importance of school breakfast. Students in Des Moines were fueled and ready to learn each day because of her dedication. She will be greatly missed and has left a legacy for the future.
Ruth Rater
July 30, 2016
I'm so saddened to hear of Sandy ' passing.
She was such a nice person and very professional
in her work.
I remember meeting her at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.
Our children were in the same daycare class at ILH.
Paul and Daniel and Stephanie and Emily.
She will be greatly missed.
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3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266
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