Beatrice M. Antell, age 78, of Mahnomen, MN died Thursday, December 4, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Beatrice Marie Keezer was born April 5, 1930 at home near White Earth, MN, the daughter of Frank and Eliza (Armstrong) Keezer. As a child, Beatrice attended school in Pipestone and Flandreau, SD. She was raised near Naytahwaush, MN, and later attended one year at the White Earth Mission School. In 1942, Beatrice was united in marriage to Issac Antell. Together they were blessed with three children: Clifford, Gary, and Debra. While raising her children, Beatrice also worked as a seamstress with Naytahwaush Industries for many years. After Issac's death in 1982, Beatrice began babysitting the Snetsinger boys. After babysitting for nearly twenty years, Beatrice became a cook for the Naytahwaush HeadStart Program. Here she was able to continue working happily surrounded by children. Due to failing heath, Beatrice was forced to retire nearly two years ago. She continued to make her home near Naytahwaush living near her family.
Beatrice truly loved children and cherished each of her grandchildren and those she "adopted" at the headstart program. She also enjoyed going to the casino and playing Bingo when she was able. Beatrice had a soft spot in her heart for animal of all kinds, especially her many cats at home. Her gentle nature and caring spirit was apparent to all who knew her.

Beatrice is survived by one daughter, Deb (Carl) Morris of Mahnomen; three sisters: Thelma VanValkenburgh of Naytahwaush, MN; Clara (Gary) Zollner of Isle, MN; and Arlene (Joe) Fairbanks of Bena, MN; two half-brothers, LaVerne Keezer of St. Cloud, MN, and Frank Keezer of Minneapolis, MN; as well as five grandchildren: Tim Antell, Jean Antell, Andrea Antell, Shelly Antell, and Jordan Pergl; four great granddaughters, and two great grandsons. Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Isaac; two sons, Clifford and Gary; five brothers, and six sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at the Sports Complex in Naytahwaush, MN. Visitation will be held at the Sports Complex beginning at 5:00PM on Monday, December 8, and will continue until the funeral on Tuesday.