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.
Sharon Pace
07/30/2016
Years ago I had the pleasure of working with Sandy at Iowa Lutheran Hospital. She was an amazing colleague and friend. She will be missed dearly. I am praying for her family.
Jane Bishop
07/30/2016
My prayers are with Sandys family. She was an amazing colleague and will be missed dearly by her DMPS family.
jamie Decamp
07/30/2016
I am sorry for her loss she was a very sweet person praying for her family
Lisa Hagen
07/30/2016
Years ago I had the pleasure of knowing Sandy from Jazzercise classes. It is very sad to hear of her passing. Cancer is an awful thing. May the kindness of her heart to other cancer patients and John Stoddard give you comfort during this difficult time.
Bobbi Smith
07/29/2016
I used to Jazzercise with Sandy years ago. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Jack Gardner
07/29/2016
So sorry for your loss
Lyn Jenkins
07/29/2016
Sandy was an amazing support and leader. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tammy Steinwandt
07/29/2016
My heart and prayers to all of you! Sandy was an amazing woman, a fabulous co-worker, and friend! I will always appreciate her kindness and friendship! Thank you Sandy for all you did for me and for others!!
Shannon Barrett
07/29/2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. God bless all of you.
Brian Smith RD LD
07/28/2016
My heart goes out to the family. Sandy gave me my break into dietetics, was an amazing boss and diehard professional support for me. Prayers for her and for those who remain.
Donna williams
07/28/2016
Thoughts and prayers going out to the family at this difficult time .. sandy will always be in our hearts. May God be with you all.