Sandra Besmehn

Sandra “Sandi” Jean (Leek, King) Besmehn, 71, of Nisswa, MN and Mesa, AZ, passed away surrounded by loved ones on July 2, 2021, after a fierce fight against cancer. She is survived by her husband, Rick; her brothers John “Jack” (Sharon) Leek, and Todd Leek (Dan Mesick); her children Kristin (Eric) Mickelson, Karla Jo (Chris) Cunningham, Kraig (Tracy) King, Kendra (Doug) Reddick, Ricky (Jessi) Besmehn, Rachel (Adam) Cox and 16 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Warren and Annabelle Leek, and 4 dear cousins.

Sandi was born November 17, 1949 in Brainerd, MN, graduated from Pillager High School and received a CNA degree from Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, SD. She worked in OB/GYN practices in Minneapolis, MN.

Sandi was involved in scouting growing up and led the local Brownie and Junior Girl Scout troop in Pine River for a number of years. She loved acting and was in a number of productions during the 80s and early 90s in Brainerd, Pequot Lakes and Pine River. She returned to living in South Dakota when her parents retired and enjoyed hosting pheasant and deer-hunting parties for her kids and their friends and families. She was thrilled at becoming “Grammy” and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She returned to school to obtain a CNA in 2007 and lived in the Twin Cities for a number of years before returning to the Brainerd Lakes area in retirement.

Sandi married Rick on May 20, 2017, and they traveled a good portion of the United States. They enjoyed hosting friends and family at their lake home in Nisswa and their winter home in Mesa, AZ. She loved a party and gathered her friends and family whenever she could. Her infectious spirit and beaming smile will be missed most by her loved ones.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the Lakewood Health System Palliative Care Team for the amazing and loving care received by Sandi and the family.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Sandi’s Life on Monday, July 12th beginning with a social hour at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Pine River followed by a service at the church at 12 p.m. and a luncheon at Bites Grill, Pine River immediately following the service.