Watching over BEECIN : Our Board

President/Sanborn Representative Don DeBoer

Don is the president of the BEECIN Foundation. Don and his wife, Brenda reside in Sanborn. He has been a pharmacist since 1981, and has worked in northwest Iowa his entire career. Don is currently employed by Lewis Drug as a part-time float pharmacist. Semi-retirement allows him to enjoy hobbies such as fishing, camping, and DIY projects.  Don and his wife also enjoy traveling to visit their four sons and families who live throughout the US and Canada.  As a healthcare provider, Don sees the need for care provided by our local home health and hospice agency.  He is passionate about sustaining these services into the future and is grateful for continued financial and spiritual support of the BEECIN Foundation.

Vice President/Primghar Representative Jim Thompson

Jim Thompson is a lifelong resident of Primghar where he presided as Mayor for 24 years.  He is a Vietnam Veteran, having served 4 years in the USMC.  Jim was employed by the City of Primghar as a Lineman, then North West REC.  He currently serves on the BEECIN Foundation and The Community Agency Board.  He is a former Volunteer Fireman, O’Brien County Kinship Board Member, and Primghar Jaycee.  He and his wife Joan have 6 children and 7 grandchildren.  They attend the United Church of Primghar where Jim serves on the Pastor Parrish Relations Committee.

Secretary /Hartley Reprsentative Debra (Deb) Prins

Deb is the secretary/treasurer of the BEECIN Hospice Foundation.  She is married to Steve Prins, and lives in Hartley, Iowa.  Deb oversees the office for her husband at Prins Plumbing and Heating Inc. She serves on the leadership council at Grace Fellowship of Hartley and works as needed in the church office.  Prior to this, she had been in healthcare administration for many years. She has observed the benefit both personally and professionally of having compassionate, caring professionals guide the family through end-of-life experiences. Giving back to an organization where so many volunteers make it possible for 100% of donations to be utilized locally is important to Deb.  In their spare time, Steve and Deb enjoy being outdoors, fishing, traveling in the winter, and spending time with their 7 grandchildren.

Paullina Representative Norma Weber

Norma is the compliance officer for the BEECIN board. She lives in Paullina and is married to Marty Weber. They have 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren with #5 coming in January. She is a retired registered nurse having worked for 23 years at the Primghar hospital and associated clinics. She has served as President of the Paullina Library Board and is a member of the LIT CHICKS book club. Norma is a member of St. Anthony’s Parish in Primghar and has been active in her church as an organist, lector and Eucharist minister. Hobbies include reading, cooking, gardening, walking, biking, playing cards and babysitting grandkids! In being on the board Norma has seen firsthand how the donations to BEECIN stay in our local communities and how they help so many families in need.  

Primghar Representative Betty DeRidder

Sheldon Representative Marlene Herde

Marlene Heerde and her husband Gary live on an acreage west of Sheldon with their well-loved miniature animals.  They have three grown children, six grandchildren and are always adding great grandchildren.   Marlene owns Touch of Hope, a Christian gift and bookstore in downtown Sheldon.  She enjoys going to work every day and feels grateful for the many ways God has blessed her.

Rock Rapids Representative Myron Knobloch

Myron is a lifelong resident of Lyon County and lives North of Alvord.  He earned a degree in horticulture at Iowa Lakes Community College and has been employed by Knobloch’s Greenhouse for over 35 years.  He is active in the Apostolic Christian Church. Myron’s experience with palliative and hospice care during his wife, Beth’s battle with a brain tumor prompted him to become a hospice volunteer in 2017.  In 2021, he joined the BEECIN Board of Directors. Myron has a passion for supporting and encouraging those with life-changing challenges and terminal diagnosis.  Myron enjoys gardening, landscaping, cooking and spending time with his family in Kauai in the winter.

Hospers Representative Scott Schleis

Scott joined the BEECIN board in November of 2022.  Scott lives with his wife Meredith on an acreage near Hospers, Iowa.  They have two children.  Scott is a Registered Nurse with over 29 years of experience, including 15 years as a home health and hospice agency manager.  During his time at home health and hospice, Scott observed how the BEECIN Foundation was able to provide assistance to many local people. This experience motivated Scott to join the board to assist in this good work.