Beatrice "Bea" Amundson

Bea Amundson, age 90, of Decorah, IA, died Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home in Decorah, IA. Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 11, 2011 at the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in the Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, IA, at a later date. Schluter Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements. Beatrice “Bea” Jewell Amundson, was born on January 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 & 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 fifteen 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 member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Bea’s survivors include her brother: Loren “Bud” (Joan) Amundson, Decorah, IA. One sister: Bernelle (Merlin) Snell, Decorah, IA, along with several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Two cousins: Robert “Bob” (Rosie) Jewell, Decorah, IA, and Tom Jewell, Decorah, IA. 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. Cousins: Sister Rosemary Jewell, RSM, and Clarence Jewell.