Beatrice Larson

Beatrice Christina Larson, age 94, of New Hope, MN, formerly of Wadena, died on August 26, 2022 surrounded by her children. 

Born June 16, 1928 in rural Wadena, she was the daughter of Nicholas and Emma (Geber) Schmith. After graduating Wadena High School in 1946, she attended Cosmetology school in Minneapolis. When her training was completed, she returned home to assist her father in raising her younger siblings. She grew up during the Great Depression, which was evident in how she lived her life and valued hard work. Having lost her mom at the age of 16, Bea had great empathy and found special connections in spending time with those who also suffered the loss of a parent.

Bea married William Robert Larson on November 3, 1949. Bill and Beaty were life partners in raising their 7 children. She was an avid gardener, needle worker, dutiful wife and loving mother. To know Bea was to know love. Bea was proud of her children and supported them throughout their lives, always eager to help with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed staying connected with her extended family and treasured everyone’s gift of time.

Throughout her 90 years of residency, Bea was an active community member in Wadena. She was a lifetime member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church; Christian Mothers; St. Delores Elizabeth circle; Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, lifetime Auxiliary member; and the Wadena Senior Citizen Center. Bea loved athletic events of all kinds, she frequented her children and grandchildren’s activities, and they all accept that her sporting heart belonged to the Minnesota Twins.

Bea moved to New Hope, MN in 2019 to be closer to her family. Preceding Bea in death were her husband Bill (1988); daughter Brenda (2018); her parents; and brothers and sisters: Andrew (Elsie), Marcy Lubke (Allen), Sylvester (Marian), Mary Ann Nelson (Bruce), Francis, and Kenneth.

Carrying on Bea’s love and legacy include her children Sharon Lammers, (John), of Dilworth, MN, Bob (Joslyn) of Moorhead, MN, son in law Craig Nulliner of Park Rapids, MN, Peggy Kluthe (Gary) of Apple Valley, MN, Lisa Thomson (Richard) of Savage, MN, Mary Jo Macklem (Lee) of New Hope, MN, and Mark (Samantha) of San Diego, CA; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister Betty (Clyde) Bigelow, sister in law Patricia Schmith; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Beatrice will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena with Fr. Gabriel Walz as celebrant. Visitation will be held on Friday starting at 9:30 a.m. with the rosary being prayed by the Christian Mothers at 9:45 a.m.    Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN.

Arrangements by Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena, MN. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)