Sandralu "Sandy or Sam" Belkengren

life story

About Sandy

Sandy was born in Mpls. July 28, 1942 and christened Sandralu Marie Langseth. She grew up and lived in Mpls and south Mpls until she married her long time soul mate Ed Belkengren and they moved to Richfield, MN.  

Sandy began her teaching career in Richfield on August 29, 1966. She worked for 2 years in Roseville prior to coming to RPS. She often repeated the story of how Richfield's Superintendent at the time just called the Roseville Superintendent and just hired her away!  She never applied, just received a phone call saying she was to report to Richfield in the Fall. (After all she was a Richfield resident and just lived a few blocks away from the superintendent!)  Sandy was certified to teach K-12 Physical Education, 7-12 Health, Adaptive PE and Drivers Education. (And did teach in all those areas, at least once over her time in Richfield!)

Teaching PE at West Junior High was her primary assignment for many years. Along with teaching in the classroom, Sandy also was an Education Leader for much of her career, Department Chair, Coordinator of Intramurals and the Yearbook, she Coached Tennis for both girls and boys and Track & Field. She was known as Coach B to many!

When Sandy first started in Richfield, the city parks were under the school's umbrella of responsibilities.  Sandy created and started many of the programs still being used in the parks today! She was teaching year round!! In addition to all her sport related activities, she was also a crafter.  You could always find Sam with a booth at the RPS craft sales in the high school lunchroom every MEA weekend. (Not to mention all the other craft sales around town.)  Many of us have lovely samples of her quilting, knitting, painting and ceramic abilities!  She truly did a little bit of EVERYTHING! She was also known around all the car clubs (Mn. Street Rod Assoc. which sponsors Back to the 50's at the fairgrounds, Roadster Car Club, etc.) as "Ed's better half", spending many weekends helping and driving cars to different shows across the country.  She was also a dog lover! She worked with many Golden Retrievers over the years while working with RAGOM. Along with adopting a few of them herself over the years!

Sandy retired in June of 2001 after 35 years with RPS and 37 years of teaching but could not stay away long. She was elected to the Richfield Board of Education in 2001 and served until 2013. During that time she held various responsibilities including Chairperson and Vice Chair. She also became a substitute teacher in September of 2001 and worked regularly through 2019. A Richfield icon and longtime dedicated educator for 55 years!

Sandy passed away Saturday May 10, 2025 after living briefly in an Assisted Living Memory Care facility.

memorial service

Funeral Service

June 17, 2025

St Peter's Catholic Church 6730 Nicollet Ave, Richfield, MN 55423, USA

Visitation from 12-1, and fellowship after the service.  

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services