Carolyn R. Beck
October 30, 2014
Carolyn R. (Heiman) Beck, 72, passed away at Arbor Springs, West Des Moines on October 30, 2014 of complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Carolyn was born on July 29, 1942 in Estherville, Iowa to Frederick and Freda (Zehnder) Heiman. She graduated from Estherville High School and received a degree in dietetics from Iowa State University. After serving a year as a dietetic intern in St. Paul, MN, she married Donald Beck and they moved to Des Moines in 1965. She then worked as a dietitian for Iowa Lutheran Hospital for four years before becoming a full-time mother, raising three daughters. Carolyn was an excellent cook and an accomplished seamstress, making many clothes for her daughters. She later worked for Broadlawns Hospital as a dietitian in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program until her retirement in 2003. Carolyn enjoyed time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening, and church activities.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Beck; her daughters, Paula (Christopher) Olson of Tampa. FL, Shaunda (Craig) Murphy of West Des Moines, and Barbara (Sean) Culton, of Overland Park, KS; her brother, Eugene Heiman of Pleasanton, CA; her sister, Arleen (Roger) Hultman of Cherokee, IA; and seven grandchildren. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Carolyn will be cremated following a memorial service at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Ave. in Clive, IA on November 8 at 11:00 am.
Memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dick and Linda Hand
11/06/2014
We have fond memories of you and Carolyn when we lived on 40th Ct. and of our few visits to Des Moines after we moved. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Barbara Whitish Kuyper
11/05/2014
Carolyn and I were in school and church together in Estherville, and I have many memories of our teenage years. I have thought of Carolyn so often and you, too, Don, as I've visited an Alzheimer's patient under hospice care for the past three years. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Scott Geisler
11/04/2014
Sorry for your loss but glad she is at peace. I've seen this disease affect so many people and it's not an easy path to walk, either for her or family and friends who knew her well. I will always remember the kind woman she was living up the block from me so many years ago!
Thea Nicholas
11/03/2014
So very sorry sorry for your loss, Don. Carolyn was a lovely and caring neighbor. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jon Zehnder
11/02/2014
So very sorry for you and your family, Don. Sue Zehnder Vinson called me today to let me know the news. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Zehnder
11/02/2014
So sorry for your loss - but Carolyn's gain! She certainly was one my my favorite cousins when we were young. Please know we are praying for all of you who are left behind.
Tamara Loecher
10/31/2014
Shaunda and Family,
We are saddened to hear of your loss. We pray that you will find comfort knowing that she is now at peace. You are in our prayers and hearts, now and always. With Love, The Loechers