Beatrice Arlene Foertsch

Beatrice Arlene Foertsch, 91, formerly of Wyndmere, North Dakota, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Maple View Memory Care in Fargo, ND.  Her service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wyndmere, ND.  There will be a visitation one hour prior.  Father Troy Simonsen will officiate the service.  Burial at a later date.  

Beatrice Arlene Davis was born August 13, 1932, to Embert and Agnes (Hafner) Davis in Mooreton, North Dakota.  She attended school at Rural Antelope Township #1, and graduated from Wyndmere High School in Wyndmere, ND. 

Beatrice married Melvin Foertsch on March 28, 1951.  They farmed in Wyndmere Township prior to buying land in Homestead Township in 1961, where they raised their six children.  In 1995, Beatrice and Melvin moved into Wyndmere, but they kept active in farming until Melvin’s passing in 2010.  Beatrice would then move to St. Gerard’s Independent Living in Hankinson, ND, in 2015.  In 2020, During the height of the pandemic, Beatrice went to live in Fargo, ND, with her daughter.  Then in 2022, she went on to enjoy her years at Maple View Memory Care in Fargo. 

Beatrice kept herself busy.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Homestead Homemakers, Christian Mothers, St. John’s Guild, and taught CYO religion.  She loved to quilt, crochet, and embroider.  Beatrice was known to make the world’s best pickles- when asked what her secret was, she said it was all in the water.  She loved to bake cookies with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Beatrice is survived by her children, Michael (Diane) Foertsch, David (Diane) Foertsch, Linda Rhodenbaugh, Lori (Doug) Peterson, Mary Brecht, Todd (Heidi) Foertsch; grandchildren, Stephen (Samantha) Foertsch, Emily Foertsch, Reisha Foertsch, Derek (Heather) Rhodenbaugh, Sabrina (Michael) Knudson, Jay (Mina) Rhodenbaugh, Tonya (Brad) Abel, Shelby Peterson, Casey Peterson, Candi Brecht, Crystal (Cody) Link, Alec Foertsch, Brogan (Payton) Foertsch, and Caleb Foertsch; 18 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and siblings, Gerald (Bernice) Davis, and Embert (Donna) Davis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Embert and Agnes; husband, Melvin; son, Steven Foertsch; son-in-law, Brad Rhodenbaugh, 4 sisters, and 3 brothers.

Full obit to come.