Beatrice M. Van Loon

HOUSTON, MN - Beatrice M. Van Loon, age 77 of Houston, MN died on April 8, 2008, following a long battle with cancer. Beatrice, known by most as Bea, was born on June 15, 1930, in LaCrosse, WI to John and Leila (Owen) Bymers. She was raised in Onalaska, WI, moved to LaCrosse, WI at age 15 where she attended and graduated from Central High School. On June 8, 1951, she married Norman Van Loon in New Amsterdam, WI. Bea had a vibrant Christian faith that was the foundation for her life and service. That faith, and the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, was lovingly passed on to her children, as well as to a number of young people who experienced the loving ministry of the Word of God to them in youth groups, Sunday School and personal ministries. Bea first attended Northwestern Bible College and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse, where in 1960, she earned her Bachelors Degree. She earned her Masters Degree in Elementary Administration from Winona State University in 1969. Bea taught first grade for five years after which she also became the acting Principal prior to serving as full-time Principal at Houston Elementary School where she served for a total of 30 years. She was an active member of numerous educational organizations. The last 15 years Bea and Norm have spent their winters in Gulf Shores, AL. She loved the things of God, family, reading, travel, puzzles, and people. Beatrice is survived by her husband, Norman Van Loon; three sons: Kenneth (Sandra) Van Loon of Newton, IA, Timothy (Rita) Van Loon of Winona, MN, and Ronald (Cindi) Van Loon of LaCrescent, MN; one daughter, Kimberly Van Loon of Honolulu, HI; six grandchildren: Rebecca, Jonathon (Cheryl), Nathan, Andrew, Benjamin, and Angela; two great grandchildren: Bridget and Amber; one sister, Mary Bymers of Watervaliet, MI; and one brother: Robert (Dody) Bymers of Coloma, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Ruth. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2008, at the Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at 11:00am at the Bethany Evangelical Free Church in Houston, MN. Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, in the Green Mound Cemetery in Holmen, WI. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Christian Air Ministries.Please feel free to sign the online guestbook and leave a memory of Bea at www.hofffuneral.com