Beatrice Neisch

Beatrice Faye Neisch, 66, of Brooklyn Center, MN, died July 7, 2015, at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, MN.

Bea, as she liked to be known, was born February 14, 1949, to Gerhardt and Hildegarde (Mueller) Neisch in Wadena, MN. In 1953 she moved with her family to St. Paul, MN, where she grew up and attended school. She was a 1968 graduate of Concordia Academy in Roseville, MN, and in 1969 began her employment in dorm food service at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. Thirty-two years later, various injuries and physical limitations that had developed over the years led to her retirement in 2001.

Bea resided in St. Paul and Maplewood, MN, until a life-changing fall in 2008. The resulting shattered femur and complicated healing meant a move to assisted living at Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, MN, and the continuous use of a walker after months in a wheelchair. In September of 2011, Bea became a resident of Presbyterian Homes' Maranatha Commons assisted living in Brooklyn Center.

Bea was highlighted as the resident of the month at Maranatha Commons for July. She was a friendly person who enjoyed the company of others and chatting with people (sometimes to a fault!). Although she could be brusque and scolding at times, she generally got along well with others and especially loved children. She was always eager for news about her nieces and nephews and grandnieces and -nephews. An avid reader, Bea also liked to do crafts and embroidery and enjoyed cooking and watching the QVC channel on TV.

A longtime member of Divinity Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Bea occasionally attended Brooklyn Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center and participated in worship and Bible study at Maranatha Commons. She loved music, and over the years she enjoyed singing in school and church choirs. She really missed singing in the choir after her move from Presbyterian Homes in Arden Hills.

Despite many struggles and frustrations in her life, Bea developed great resiliency. She had a big heart and wanted to help others, which led to the donation of her eyes for medical research and education through the Lions Eye Bank.

Bea is survived by two sisters, Edie (John) Mattson of Faribault, MN, and Cheryl (Bruce) Shepperd of Maple Grove, MN, and a brother, Gil Neisch (Martha Rakhshan) of Odenton, MD; nine nieces; two nephews; and many (several) grandnieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Annette Heuer, and two brothers, Maynard and Jerry.

May God bless the memory of Bea Neisch.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Maranatha Commons Chapel in Brooklyn Center, MN. Interment will be held at the Union Cemetery, St. Paul, MN. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to services.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.