Beatrice (Bea) Hanneman

Thursday, September 24, 2015 2:16 pm

Beatrice (Bea) Hanneman, 95, of Decorah, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, at her home in Decorah. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 28, at Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Stacey Nalean – Carlson officiating. Accompanist was Doug Nalean-Carlson. Hymns were “Shall We Gather at the River,” “My Life Flows On in Endless Song,” “Soon and Very Soon” and “Amazing Grace.” Interment was at Canoe Ridge Cemetery, Decorah. Casket bearers were Bea’s grandchildren: Dan Hanneman, Dennis Hanneman, Harry Hanneman, Mitchem Hanneman, Adam Sladky and Kevin Sladky. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Beatrice Idalene Hanneman was born Jan. 6, 1920. Shortly after birth, she was adopted by Eda and Birger Guttormson of Ridgeway. Bea, as she was affectionately called, spent her youth in Ridgeway. She also was fortunate to have an uncle and father who treated her to numerous trips to Chicago for fine dining, attending plays and even to be at a Chicago Cubs World Series game against the New York Yankees in 1932. Bea attended AIB College of Business in Des Moines before falling in love with Harold Hanneman. They were married July 14, 1940, and had six children. The city girl learned the farm life as Harold and Bea bought a farm in 1945 northeast of Decorah. Bea and Harold started the Hi-Lane Ayrshire Farm and were highly successful until they sold the cows in 1976. Harold and Bea moved to Colorado in 1981 and stayed there until 1988. They moved back on the farm for two years before selling and moving into Decorah. Bea was a very active member of Canoe Ridge Lutheran church for 70 years, helping to start their first Sunday school program. She was very active with quilting, the annual bazaar and preparing food for many a church dinner. Anyone was welcome in Bea’s house and visitors frequently dropped by for coffee and lively discussions.

Bea is survived by four children: Les (Jane) Hanneman, Edmond Okla., Don (Barb) Hanneman Castle Rock, Colo., Janet (Ray) Sladky, Grafton, Wis. and Larry (Susie) Hanneman, Loveland, Colo., as well as by 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She also had many friends she considered part of her extended family.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, of 62 years, in 2003; two sons, Daniel and Wayne; parents, Eda and Birger Guttormson.