Frances Beachem

Frances Beachem, age 90, of Milbank died on October 8, 2017, at Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Parkview Methodist Church. Rev. Melanie Reiners will officiate and burial will be at Milbank City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home.

Casket bearers will be grandchildren: Michael Munson, Jerod Beachem, Spencer Redmond, Brandon Beachem, Dustin Beachem and Cole Munson.

Honorary bearers will be grandchildren: Jodi Rodriguez, Sara Anderson, Gary Fugier, Bryan Beachem, Cory Beachem, Bobbie Beachem, Joshua Beachem.

Frances Beachem was born on November 26, 1926, in Big Stone City, SD. She was the daughter of Okke and Anna (Bengen) Russman.

Frances graduated from Big Stone High School with the Class of 1943. After graduation, she worked at the Big Stone Canning Factory and Ben Franklin in Ortonville.

Frances was united in marriage with Dale Beachem on July 28, 1945, in Ortonville, MN. Together they were blessed with 38 years of marriage and five children: Roger, Gary, Brenda, Debbie, and David. Frances and Dale lived and farmed in the Ortonville area for the first 11 years of their marriage. They then moved to a farm north of Milbank in 1956 and lived there for 17 years. In 1974, they moved into the city of Milbank and resided there together until Dale’s death in 1984. From 2012 until her passing, Frances resided at Park Place in Milbank.

In addition to serving as a devoted farm wife and mother, Frances worked at the A&W in Milbank for 15 years. She was a wonderful baker, and made the homemade pies and potato salad served at the restaurant. She was an avid reader, devouring reading materials from books to periodicals. She loved to garden and spend time outdoors. The family planted an extensive vegetable garden each spring. She also enjoyed birdwatching, and loved to put birdfeeders and birdhouses outside her window.

Frances was a faithful member of Parkview Methodist Church, serving as a communion steward and Sunday school teacher for many years.

Frances is survived by her children: Roger (Judy) Beachem of Aurora, CO; Gary (LaVonne) Beachem of Ortonville MN; Brenda (Gordon) Munson of Milbank, SD; Debbie Redmond of Sioux Falls, SD; David Beachem of Vero Beach, FL; brothers-in-law: Norvin Beachem of Ortonville, MN; and Rev. Keith (Janet) Beachem of Lakeville, MN; sisters-in-law: Joan Block of Ortonville, MN; and LaVay Anderson of Coon Rapids, MN; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Okke and Anna (Bengen) Russman; husband, Dale Beachem; son-in-law, Doug Redmond; siblings: Tillie Langva, Harry Russman, Andrew Russman, and Katie Fenner; and granddaughter, Jaclyn Munson.