Alice Darlene “Sandy” Beyer was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Dayton to Harry and Frances (Lund-berg) Sandholm. Sandy passed away Nov. 10, 2025, at the Comfort House in Pella at the age of 100 years. Interment was held at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 14, at Swan Cemetery, rural Lynnville. The memorial service followed at 11 a.m. at Sully First Reformed Church. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Pella.
Called Darlene by her family, Sandy grew up with her seven siblings on a farm outside of Dayton.
Shortly after high school graduation and near the end of World War II, Darlene enrolled in the Cadet Nursing Program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Her friends quickly dubbed her “Sandy,” and the name stuck. She treasured her time at St. Mary’s and her subsequent employment at Grinnell hospital, making many lifelong friends.
While in Grinnell, Sandy met Ben Beyer, a WWII veteran and farmer from Lynnville, at a local dance. Aug. 4, 1949, they were wed at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.
A short time later, Sandy and Ben moved to the family farm near Lynnville where they lived out their married life and raised six children: Bryce, Craig, Dennis, Sharon, Jan, and Kathy. Although this officially ended her nursing career, Sandy’s skills were put to good use helping her own family, neighbors, and especially her husband in his later fight with Parkinson’s disease. In later years, Sandy and Ben enjoyed many bus tours across the United States – visiting every state except Delaware, a trip to Europe, and an Alaskan cruise.
Sandy delighted in her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They always knew Grandma would be up for a card game or two, and the cookie jar would be full. Somehow, she managed to do this while seamlessly putting three meals and two coffee times on the table every day, all without today’s modern conveniences.
A member of Sully First Reformed Church, Sandy’s faith was always an important part of her life. She particularly enjoyed her involvement with the quilt-making ministry for those in need. A few years after Ben’s death, Sandy moved to Mayflower Community in Grinnell, where she lived independently until her move to the Comfort House. Throughout her time in Grinnell, Sandy made many good friends, and she was known for helping neighbors in need, even as she crossed into her 90s. Sandy was also blessed beyond measure by the kindnesses shown to her by Mayflower staff and residents alike.
Her memory will be cherished by her five children: Bryce Beyer of Sully, Dennis Beyer of Lynnville, Sharon (Dean) Renaud of Sully, Jan (Wes) Conover of Sully, and Kathy Beyer of Hinesburg, VT; eight grandchildren: Dan (Trisha) Beyer, Brian Beyer, Stefanie (Marlo) Van Wyk, Tom (Martha) Renaud, Chad (Beth) Conover, Anna (Darin) Arkema, Jenna (Brad) Chamra, and Ben Ross; as well as 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Sandy also leaves her siblings: Maxine Burks of Des Moines, Irene Draper of Oregon, WI, Mike Sandholm of Boone, and Susan (Larry) Ohge of Tucson, AZ.
Sandy was preceded in death by her husband Ben Beyer; son Craig Beyer; parents; parents-in-law John and Trinnie Beyer; sister Doris Eastburg; brother Maurice Sandholm; brother Earl Sandholm in childhood; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ernie Eastburg, Carol Sandholm, JoAnn Sandholm, Frank and Leora Beyer, Marie and Herman Bokhoven, Paul and Lucille Beyer, Jeanetta and Henry Olsthoorn, Chris Beyer, Fred Beyer, Nellie and Leo Vande Krol, Grace Beyer in infancy, and Pauline and Melvin Nikkel.
