"Thank you for posting tributes. We love hearing the stories of spending time at our house, cookies, and childhood memories. It makes us smile! Hugs to all. ~ Molly, Dan, Todd, Mindy, Noah, Ellie and Rylie"
In loving memory of
Sandra Kay Beukelman
March 24, 1939 - December 13, 2012
Sandra "Sandy" (Boynton) Beukelman, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 13, 2012. She was born on March 24, 1939. Sandy and her husband Dave raised their two children Molly (Beukelman) Lopez and Todd Beukelman in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Beukelmans were known as a local hot air balloon family, with Dave, Molly and Todd all having their balloon pilots license. Sandy was their Chase Crew Chief for 25 years. The Beukelman's Iowa hot air balloon (based on the design of the State of Iowa flag) and balloon mementos are proudly displayed at the National Hot Air Balloon Museum in Indianola, Iowa. Sandy and Dave owned The Pin Place (a custom lapel pin company) for 30 years where Sandy served as Chief Operating Officer.
In 1995, Dave took early retirement and he and Sandy moved to Hudson, Wisconsin. In 1996, Dave passed away and Sandy moved to Woodbury, Minnesota, to be closer to her son, Todd, daughter-in-law, Mindy, and her grandchildren; Noah (14), Ellie (11) and Rylie (7). In 2009, Sandy moved to The Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines, Iowa, to be closer to her daughter, Molly, and son-in-law, Dan Lopez. Sandy loved her time at The Lodge and special visits from her grandchildren. She always was surrounded by family and friends and will be dearly missed.
Sandy leaves a legacy of goodwill that will live on for years to come. Her generosity helped Todd and his family build the home of their dreams. Sandy also helped Molly and her husband purchase and grow a successful business called Association Management, Ltd. (AML). Sandy was loved by her family and friends and now is watching over all of us, while being back in the arms of her loving husband, Dave. Mom, Grandma, Nanny... We love you and thank you for all the wonderful family memories!
Cards may be mailed to The Beukelman Family, 947 Ashworth Road # 209, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50265. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the National Hot Air Balloon Museum at http://www.nationalballoonmuseum.com/Donate.aspx.
A celebration of life and open house with the family will take place at The Lodge of Ashworth, 909 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50265, (http://lodgeofashworth.com/) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2012. A memorial service will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. during the open house at The Lodge.
Tributes
"Todd and Molly, I am sorry for your loss. I will never forget all the chocolate chip cookies she made for all the boys. Still the best I've ever had! Sincerely, Bob and Wendy Edwards "
"Extend our sympathy to you. Remembering well working with Dave at Land O'Lakes and watching the hot air balloon in the sky. May you find comfort through your faith, family and friends and may the happy memories that you have, help ease the sorrow. Ann & Roy Chase"
"Molly & Dan, Todd & family, I am so sad to hear such a bright light has gone out of your lives, but know her memory will shine within you all forever. Your mom was such the 'kool-aid mom' to all of us in Junior & Senior High and we were so glad to have her in our lives. You all are in our hearts and minds and we know you feel blessed to have had such a fabulous mom!"
"Molly and Todd, It's not hard to imagine how much you will miss your mom, as I know she touched many lives! She often made me feel as if she was my "second mom" during those awkward middle and high school years, and many of my best memories of those years include her. My heart goes out to you and your families...words fall short for expressing sorrow for your loss. "
"Crystal and Cliff's family - it was good to meet you at Bright Kavanaugh Hospice. I am sorry for your loss. Mom enjoyed meeting all of you. God bless you."
"Molly, Todd and families so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Although I only knew her a short time what I saw was a sweet caring woman with a beautiful smile. She too is now in heaven with my dear friend Cliff, pain free and once again united with their one true loves. God Bless You all in your time of sorrow."
"Molly, Todd and families so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Although I only knew her a short time what I saw was a sweet caring woman with a beautiful smile. She too is now in heaven with my dear friend Cliff, pain free and once again united with their one true loves. God Bless You all in your time of sorrow."
"Mom, thank you for all the wonderful memories! All of the holiday celebrations, the family gatherings and the fun adventures. We loved having you close to us for so many years in Woodbury and we loved all the time we spent together in Des Moines. We will continue to celebrate with you in our hearts!"
"I think of when I was a child and your chocolate chip cookies after school, family Christmas celebrations, early morning balloon adventures, when you moved to West Des Moines, craft shows, the Iowa State Fair, dinners out, shopping, fun visits from the Beukelmans, road trips to Minnesota, and so much more....great memories!"
"Mom, I love you. Thank you for such wonderful family memories. You will always be in my heart. Enjoy Dad and Heaven! :) Love, Mollly"
"To the woman who made the biggest difference in our lives from the time your daughter and I first met until your passing. We love you and will never forget you, because your love is implanted in our hearts. Your Favorite Son-in-Law Dan "
"Todd and family - I am very sorry for your loss. God Bless!"
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"Thank you for all the wonderful memories Nanny! One of our favorites was the Disney Cruise you took all of us on in 2008. Trip of a lifetime!"