Amundson, Bea

Bea Amundson, 90, of Decorah, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah, with the Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, at a later date. Schluter Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements.

Beatrice “Bea” Jewell Amundson was born Jan. 14, 1921, on the family farm in rural Decorah, Iowa, to Gilbert and Beatrice (Jewell) Amundson. Bea's mother died two weeks after her birth and she was raised by her grandparents, Addie and Minnie Jewell. She attended Moore Country School and graduated from Decorah High School in 1938. Bea joined the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids and lived there for 15 years. She received her master's degree in education. She taught school in northwestern Chicago suburbs and in northeast Illinois, retiring in 1991 at the age of 70. In 1992, Bea returned to Decorah, to “God's Country,” and has lived here ever since.

She enjoyed traveling, making several long trips across the United States and two trips overseas to Scandinavian countries and to German and Switzerland. She enjoyed woodcarving, golfing and being outdoors. Bea was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church.

Bea's survivors include her brother, Loren “Bud” (Joan) Amundson, Decorah; her sister, Bernelle (Merlin) Snell, Decorah; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and two cousins, Robert “Bob” (Rosie) Jewell and Tom Jewell, both of Decorah.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert and Beatrice Amundson; her grandparents; two sisters, Ardath (Mrs. Joe) Flynn and Alberta (Mrs. Everett) Hughes; and cousins, Sister Rosemary Jewell RSM and Clarence Jewell.