Sherry Bangsund

SHERRY LYNN BANGSUND

Sherry Bangsund, 49, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota was granted her Angel's Wings and went to heaven, Friday, February 11th after a long and courageous battle with cancer. While her body could no longer fight this insidious disease, her mind was strong and inspirational to the end.

Sherry was born August 17, 1961 to James and Sandra (Ronning) Bangsund. She had an older sister Debbie and a younger brother Christopher. Sherry graduated from Two Harbors High School in 1979. She received her AA degree from Golden Valley Lutheran College, her Bachelor's Degree from Bethel University and her Masters from the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Sherry was an owner and the Vice President of Quality Assurance for the HSGCodeBlue. She was instrumental in the development and growth of the HSGCodeBlue from a small local company to the third largest company of its type in the United States. In addition, Sherry oversaw the Canadian Operations for the company. While at HSGCodeBlue, Sherry developed many systems and procedures, one of these systems was granted a United States Patent in her name. Over her career she also held positions with American Family Insurance. While at American Family; her accomplishments were singled out as a "Distinct Competitive Advantage." She was a leader and an inspiration to those that worked for her and all those that knew her.

Sherry's personal achievements were many. From being a hospice Chaplain to a camp counselor for troubled, at-risk children, from receiving a United States Patent to having her works on poverty in Africa published. Sherry was always most interested in helping those that could not help themselves, needed a helping hand, or sometimes just a warm and sincere smile. Sherry gave hope and joy to so many.

Her life was too short but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. She was so loving and giving, and she gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. She loved to make other people smile and to expand their horizons.

She enjoyed family, music, photography, hospice chaplaincy, and animals. Her gentle smile, compassion for those around her, and her devotion to friends and family brought much joy to all she touched.

She was preceded in death by her dad Jim and sister Debbie.

Sherry will be greatly missed by her canine kids; Piper and Japhrey; mother Sandy; brother Chris (Eddie); niece Callie; nephews Lars, Aaron, and Justin; best friend Jeff; and many other family and friends.

Her passing has brought us great sorrow, but we rejoice that she was a devoted Christian and that her soul is in a much better place. The Lord knew the suffering should end and He extended the healing warmth of His grace and lifted her up to a better place.

Visitation will be from 1 PM until the 2 PM Service on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Two Harbors.