Len (McCord) Sheldahl, 74, passed away July 14, 2022 at Trinity Center at Luther Park. A Celebration of life will be from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2022 with a service at 2 p.m. at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. Len was born October 6, 1947 in Des Moines to Max and Helen (Williams) McCord. As a child, Len demonstrated a true passion for animals. She was actively involved in 4H, training horses, showing cattle, and participating in numerous livestock competitions at the Warren County and State Fair where she received multiple awards. Len graduated from Indianola High School in 1965. She received her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in 1969, majoring in History, minoring in Sociology, and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honors Program. Len received her Master of Science in Education from Drake University in 1977, majoring in Counseling Psychology and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Masters’ Honorary Program. She first taught Psychology, Sociology, and History at Indianola High School from 1969-1977. Len taught Psychology, Sociology, and college preparatory students at Urbandale High School from 1977-2009. She taught Psychology and Sociology at Grandview College from 1985-1995 and DMACC from mid-1980’s-2012. She was contracted by the U.S. Navy as a counselor from 1976-1980, aiding veterans and reservists. Len held numerous leadership positions from the 70’s-90’s with the Polk County Rape and Sexual Assault Center, including three years as Director representing Urbandale Community Schools. Len was honored in 1981, receiving the U.S. High School Psychology Teacher of the Year award and was accredited for establishing a Forensic Pathology course at Urbandale High School in the early 2000’s. Ms. Sheldahl was a highly regarded educator with the Urbandale and Des Moines Community School systems. She was known for influencing her students with the positive personal characteristic “If it is to BE, it is up to ME.” In her retirement years, Len was actively involved in the WDM Chamber of Commerce, traveling to Washington DC with 190 Iowa community leaders to present a public policy agenda to promote economic development for Des Moines. She also became an avid stock day trader and gems broker. However, Len’s passion was time spent in her WDM home, enjoying the beautiful flower gardens and wildlife in the backyard. She is now at peace re-joining her family, friends, and animals that have passed, while riding off in the sunset on her beloved horse, Flash. Len is survived by her son, Dave Bloom (Danna Breuklander); mother, Helen McCord (Paul McCool); and two sisters Jan McCord Hale (Bill Hale) Robin McCord Eyberg (Dave Roberts). She was preceded in death by her father, Max. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Len by making a donation in her memory to the Animal Rescue League for the Second Chance Ranch.