Beatha (Stern) Weigum

Beatha “Bea” (Stern) Weigum, 99, of Beulah, ND passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Knife River Care Center, Beulah. Services will take place at a later date.

Beatha was born on February 17, 1924 to Stephan and Katharina (Traxel) Stern on their homestead in Mercer County near Golden Valley. She grew up on the family ranch, was educated in local country schools and graduated from Golden Valley High School in 1943 in a class of 15. She began teaching in a one room school. She furthered her education and received a Bachelor’s degree from Dickinson State University and a Master’s degree in educational administration from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Beatha married Gordon Weigum in Golden Valley on November 25, 1943 and they had three children, Gordon, Jr., Larry and Bonnie.

Bea had a 41 year career in education, 31 years in the Hazen Elementary School and 19 years as the elementary principal. She was honored to have the Hazen Elementary Library name for her, the “Bea Weigum Library”, an honorary life membership of the North Dakota Congress of Parents and Teachers Association and the North Dakota Association of Elementary School Principal’s Golden Apple Service Award.]

Bea was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma educator societies, serving on state offices and international committees. She was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hazen and served as treasurer and secretary for many years.

Bea is survived by her son, Larry (Shiela) Weigum of Blaine, WA; her grandson, Marc (Gina) Weigum and their children, Lucas and Tristan; one sister, Ruby (Gerry) Bauer of Williston; one sister-in-law, Shirley Stern of Golden Valley; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; one daughter, Bonnie Baisch; one son, Gordon, Jr.; one grandson, Michael Baisch; her parents, Stephan and Katharina; three brothers, Ray Stern, Gottlieb Stern and Erhard Stern; and four sisters, Erna Avery, Pat Schaff, Anne Chase, Hertha Sandau, and Louise Friese.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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