Brenda Jean Heitmeyer

WATERLOO — Brenda Jean Heitmeyer, 68, of Waterloo, formerly of Beaman, died Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at UnityPoint-Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

A celebration of life for Brenda will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Beaman Memorial Hall.

Brenda was born Oct. 24, 1955, in Sheldon, the daughter of Sidney and Norma Jean (Stiff) Heitmeyer. The family lived in northwest Iowa when she was young before settling in Beaman. She graduated from BCL High School in 1973, then attended Ellsworth Community College and later Marshalltown Community College. Brenda went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa later in her life.

On Oct. 7, 1977, Brenda was married to Rick Sanderson of Beaman in a ceremony in Eagleville, Missouri. They had two sons, Blair and John. The couple later divorced but remained close, with both staying in their hometown of Beaman to raise their kids.

Brenda worked as a computer programmer for 13 years at Marshalltown Trowel and then at Seabury & Smith in Des Moines before beginning her teaching career. She taught at Marshalltown Community College for 20 years, retiring in 2021, but continued to stay on staff as an adjunct professor up until this year.

Brenda lived in Beaman for most of her life and served on the city council for a number of years. In 2021, she moved to Waterloo to be closer to her family and loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending their different events, doing puzzles and playing games with them at home.

Brenda was an animal lover and advocate, fostering cats and championing programs to spay and neuter strays.  She loved to feed and watch birds, had many favorite animal webcam sites, and contributed to several causes.  She loved visiting the ocean and also enjoyed reading and gardening, especially sunflowers.

Survivors include her two sons: John (Sarah) Sanderson of Waterloo and Blair (Sarah) Sanderson of Denver; six grandchildren: Anna, Nora and Alaina Sanderson and Sophie, Brody and Sydney Sanderson. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Jean Heitmeyer, and her brother, Bryan Heitmeyer.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and online condolences may be left at kaisercorson.com.

Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Denver is in charge of arrangements. 319-984-5379