Sandra K. Huisman
July 28, 2016
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. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
John Nish
04/11/2024
Terry and the entire family: I know that it has been almost eight years, but I lost track of Sandy around 2014 when a mutual friend, Sharon Junod McKimpson, passed away and just today ran across her name as I was working with the ISU Alumni Association. I am saddened to find out that she is gone. I have known Sandy since the mid-70s as Knapp House and Sadler House were brother/sister houses. Her bright smile, her wit, and her kindness were great earmarks that propelled her into a wonderful career after ISU and made her a great wife and mother. I mourn for her passing from this earth, but I look forward to seeing her in eternity, knowing that she is currently in the arms of Jesus...awaiting us all. May God bless you and comfort you as the void of her absence will never be filled.
Jamie
08/08/2016
My hearts go out to the family and friends of Sandy. It was a pleasure to have known her while at DMPS.
You are in my prayers.
Denise Williams
08/06/2016
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Wanda (Jans) Dorr
08/05/2016
Terry & family, Sending my sincere sympathy in the loss of your wife and mother. Time heals and concerns for you all during this time of loss and healing. God's Blessings to you all. Wanda
Cindy Dicks
08/04/2016
I am so sorry for your family's profound loss. You have all been in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Baccam
08/02/2016
I'm sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. It's been a few years since I worked with Sandy at DMPS but my memories of her is that she always had a bright smile on her face and was eager and willing to help.
Sarah (White) Derry
08/02/2016
Huisman family, I am holding you in my thoughts as you celebrate Sandy's life today, and will continue as you adjust to your new normal.
Deb Ashby, RD,LD
08/01/2016
I was shocked to hear of Sandy's passing. What a dynamic and passionate person she was! As a longtime colleague, she was a dietitian who loved her profession and was always a great resource to us fortunate to have interacted with her over the years. Prayers to the family and friends. Bless her! We'll miss her!
Marilyn Spatz
08/01/2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Sandy at Jazzercise. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Jeff Halvorsen
08/01/2016
Sandy was an extraordinary lady. Even though Sandy has passed on, we will never be without her. She had such a significant and positive influence on everyone she met. We will miss her deeply. The best boss ever!
Bobbi Lucia Jackson Elementary
08/01/2016
I'm so sorry to hear of Sandy passing away. Last time I saw her she looked so good. She will be missed by all at DMPS. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family
Pam Rosa
08/01/2016
Sandy was an amazing and wonderful person, and was so great to work with. She will be missed by everyone at DMPS!
Louis Urwitz
07/31/2016
Our prayers go out to all of Sandy's family and friends. We can rejoice and celebrate her life of service. She clearly made such a positive impact on everyone she touched. God Bless.
Jane Lawson
07/31/2016
I'm so sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. I didn't know she was sick, but wondered why I did not see her at water aerobics.
Sandy and I met at Prairie Life, but we shared a DMPS connection.
Leanne Carpenter
07/31/2016
I met Sandy once or twice during a special event at out school. She was very helpful and very kind to our students. God be with you.