Viola Beckman, age 98, of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, June 19, 2009, at the Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley, MN.


Viola Ruth Beckman was born November 10, 1910, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Boettcher) Beckman near Springfield, MN. As an infant she was baptized in the Lutheran Faith in Springfield and shortly thereafter moved to Norman County, MN, with her family. She grew up there and attended Cheerful Nook School. Following her schooling, Viola worked in the area as a housekeeper for her neighbors before moving to Minneapolis, MN. In 1937, she began working for the Charles Whitaker family as a housekeeper and cook. Viola became a loyal friend, companion and employee of the Whitaker family as she continued to work with them for over 30 years. In the late 1970's she moved back to Mahnomen to help care for her mother. Viola truly loved caring for and taking care of others. She never hesitated to put herself out to make sure the needs of others were met. She has always had a soft spot in her heart for babies and children, especially all of her nieces and nephews by whom she was tenderly known as "Auntie Lolo".


Viola greatly enjoyed flowers and spending time in her beautiful gardens. She was also a very talented cook and baker. She stayed very active as a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Viola was able to remain living on her own until the fall of 2008, upon almost her 98th birthday, at which time she moved to the Twin Valley Living Center to make her home.


Viola is survived by two sisters, Leona L. Saatoff (Mrs. Rint) of Waubun, MN, and Norma Bjorgen of Monroe, GA, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Edwin Beckman; sister-in-law Lorna Beckman; one sister, Eleanor Cary; and three brothers-in-law, Rint Saatoff, Joel Bjorgen and Cecil Cary.


Funeral services were held Monday, June 22, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, with Pastor Arvid Salvhus officiating. Lavon Cook served as organist with Angela Kritzberger as soloist. Serving as pallbearers were Ron Ahmann, Richard Beckman, William Beckman, Robert Danielson, Larry Lovas, Gene Saatoff, James Saatoff and Al Urvig. Visitation was one hour prior to service at the church. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Mahnomen.