Beatrice "Bea" Irene Sandquist

Beatrice Sandquist, age 88, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 4th. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated educator whose life touched countless hearts.

Bea was born on May 5, 1937, and grew up in the Des Moines area, where she attended North High School. She married Robert Sandquist in 1956 and took great pride in being a stay-at-home mother while raising their four children. After her children were raised, she continued her education, attending several institutions including DMACC, Grand View, and ISU, and ultimately earning her master’s degree in education from Drake University. With a lifelong passion for learning, Bea dedicated more than 25 years to teaching ESL and first grade in the Des Moines Public Schools. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, curiosity, and kindness, where generations of students discovered not only knowledge but also the confidence to pursue their dreams. She was admired by colleagues and cherished by her students, many of whom carried her lessons far beyond the school walls.

Bea has always had a strong faith and was a long-time active member at Staves United Methodist Church. She was involved in teaching Sunday School and organizing social gatherings for the church community. Bea will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering dedication to education, and her ability to make everyone she met feel valued. Her family and friends will miss her dearly but take comfort in knowing that she is resting in the arms of our Savior and that her love lives on in those she touched.

Family was the center of Bea’s world. She is survived by her four children: Robert (Bridget) Sandquist, Rick (Annette) Sandquist, Doug (Shelly) Sandquist, and Joleen Roskamp. She was the proud grandmother of Kristina Reilly, Ashley Driscoll, Amy Thompson, Blake Sandquist, Ricky Sandquist, Tony Sandquist, Jordan Sandquist, Lexa Sandquist, Riley Roskamp, Bowen Sandquist, Baylee Roskamp, and Kelsey Roskamp, and the cherished great-grandmother of fourteen and counting. As well as her brother-in-law, Bill Sandquist and 4 nephews. Each of the above brought her immense joy, and her legacy of love, wisdom, and resilience lives on in them.

Bea was preceded in death by her mom, Vina Ritter, stepfather, Lester Ritter and Aunt’s Palma Williams, Edna Miller, Lillie Nielsen, Anna Sorensen, and Edith Sorensen, her sister-in-law, Coleen Sandquist, and many cousins. Bea also lost her beloved dog, Maverick two years ago.

Services will be at Caldwell Parrish at 8201 Hickman in Urbandale on April 10th with visitation from 9-10 am with a short service following. Because of her love for animals, memorial contributions may be given to the family, to be disbursed to local animal causes close to her heart. A special thank you from the family to St. Croix Hospice for their devoted care to mom.