Arlene F. Beckman

Arlene F. Beckman, 96 of Floodwood passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014 in her home with her loving family by her side. She was born May 27, 1918 in Badger, South Dakota to John and Annie Johnson. In 1933, at the age of 15, Arlene's family moved to Floodwood. She graduated from Floodwood High School in 1936. Arlene married Crist Beckman on October 20, 1938 in the Ophir, Alaska. They lived in Alaska until 1941 at which time they moved to Worchester, Mass. In 1945 they returned to Floodwood. Arlene was a cook at the Floodwood High School from 1972 until 1980. Arlene and Crist were foster parents of 52 children since 1945. She attended Floodwood Assemblies of God Church for many years and was currently attending Four Rivers Fellowship in Floodwood. She has always been an avid gardener and fed family and friends well with her homemade bread and doughnuts. Arlene served as Township clerk for Cedar Valley in the mid 1970's. She has been known through several generations as Gramma B. to many people in the Floodwood area. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Crist; two brothers, Neale and John Johnson; one sister, Clarice Schroeder; two sons, Robert and John; one grandson, Scott Runquist; one great-grandson, Travis Davis; and son-in-law, John Runquist. She is survived by three daughters, Deanna Runquist, Carolyn (Bob) Hosking, and Pamela Wolf all of Floodwood; daughter-in-law, Tammy Beckman of Hibbing, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, Ina Johnson of Floodwood; and many special friends. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 16, 2014 in New Life Community Church in Floodwood. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Van Buren Township. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com