Katelyn Sandbulte

Doon, IA: Katelyn Sandbulte, 32, of Doon, Iowa, died Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in George, Iowa after a battle with Huntington’s disease. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 1, at 4:00 PM at Grace Community Church in Rock Valley with Pastor Joe Terrell officiating. Visitation, with the family present, will be held prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley.

   Katelyn Corrine Sandbulte was born to Tara Hansen (Walling) And Jeff Sandbulte on July 19, 1991, she won her battle with Huntington’s Disease on March 27, 2024, when she departed to be with her Lord and Savior.   

   On June 22, 2012, her deepest wish came true when she gave birth to a daughter, Nevaeh Iris Olson. She truly loved being a mom and making as many memories as she could with her daughter.

   Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter, Nevaeh Olson; parents, Mike and Tara Hansen; brothers, Michael (Brandi) Sandbulte, Landon Hansen, Shawn Hansen, and Gabe Hansen; and her heart sisters, Danielle Mullins, Jacey Bosch, Katie Spencer, and Tasha Espinoza, and numerous aunts and uncles and beloved cousins.

   Preceding her in death were her father, Jeff Sandbulte; grandparents, Bernice Boon Rozeboom, Ron and Donna Hansen, and Mike Sandbulte; many great grandparents; and great Uncles and Aunts.

   Katelyn was the 1st born grandchild and niece in her family. She loved being the first and was beloved by many. Katelyn loved being a big sister. She truly was full of laughter, love, music and random facts that made everyone shake their head.

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   Katelyn’s character and outlook on life is best expressed in a note her mother wrote to her a few days before her passing:

Dearest Ladybug,

God truly blessed me when he gave me a daughter on July 19th, 1991. God knew your path. He blessed me with a beautiful little girl with sass and a tomboy attitude who showed me the meaning of faith, love and family.

   You never stopped living; your faith has always been present and beautiful to see. You never allowed hate to touch you but always showed compassion and love. You offered forgiveness when most would be angry and love when hate would have been expected. 

   You, my only daughter, have shown me that 100% faith in God's Grace is what living is about.

   It is because of you I learned that life is a gift, no matter how hard it is, and we need to live large, laugh loud, and believe with passion. I learned that nothing in life is permanent and it's beautiful that it’s not permanent.

   You taught me to take nothing for granted.

   You showed me that living and loving is a choice and that those things fill our lives with meaning. You taught me how to find my smile and laugh and how to fully live in the present.

   You showed and taught me that love is a precious gift. And we must be compassionate to all. You taught me the meaning of the words: patience and gentleness.

   You showed me how to speak up for what’s important and right, to do the right thing, and to offer a hand to those who need it.

   You taught and showed me the meaning of strength and acceptance. You are stronger than I ever imagined I could be. Because of you, our family is closer and stronger than ever. Because of you, I take loads of pictures and videos now, and your brothers and daughter hate me for it. But it's ok; they will deal with it.

   You taught me how to let go of pain so that I had room for peace. It is because of you I know that grief is really love with nowhere to go. It is because of you that I know there is life beyond loss and that, in time, we will be filled with joy and laughter. You showed me the meaning of faith. Heaven is not way up in the sky but is a beautiful place filled with joy, and I know we will meet there someday. 

   It is an honor that I am your mama.

   I will love you always.

   Don't worry about us. We will find peace, love, and joy in life. I will help your brothers and your dad and your Nevaeh Iris to find theirs. 

   Love you always and will miss you until we meet again.