Beatrice R. Kapanke

Beatrice Ranetta Kapanke, 86, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo, ND. Bea was born January 26, 1927 to Emil and Minnie Look Kapanke. She grew up in rural Ruso, ND, and attended local country school. She moved to San Diego, CA, as a young lady in her teens and spent the next 60 years there.
Bea spent four decades caring for the babies while working in the labor and delivery department in Mercy Hospital in San Diego. She attended the First Baptist Church, was an avid bowler and proud of her many bowling awards and trophies. Over the years, she worked as a volunteer for many different causes. She loved her daily strolls and put on many, many miles.
Bea moved back from California in 2006 to be closer to family and made her home with her nephew and niece, Leon and Lori Schlafmann for several years. She spent much of her days taking care of her good friends, Nellie and Shelby, and doing bandage rolling for mission work. She later moved into Hawley Senior Living Center where she had most recently resided.
Bea was a very sweet, loving and caring lady who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Bea is survived by one sister, Francis Grueneich of Bismarck, ND; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and six sisters.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.