Beth Bergquist

The Lord welcomed Beth Delores Bergquist home on March 15, 2021.  Surrounded by her family, Beth passed away peacefully at home after courageously fighting a long illness.

She was born March 9, 1952 in Pelican Rapids to Arnold and Betty Erickson.  She attended school in Pelican Rapids, graduating in 1970.

In 1971 she was united in marriage to Steve Bergquist and they made their home in Pelican Rapids.  They were blessed with three children.

Beth was a lifelong resident of the Pelican area.  In fact, her first job was at the popcorn stand downtown Pelican Rapids.  Following this she was employed by ORD Corporation and later by Pelican Paint and Glass.  Beth also ran her own daycare for several years. The job she enjoyed the most was working for the Pelican Rapids Public School first as a library assistant and later as a secretary at the elementary school where she worked until retiring in 2010.

To know Beth is to know love and Beth loved!  Sewing, gardening, taking photos, visiting with mom on the telephone and going on cruises were special favorites.  In addition, she loved the thrill of finding a “good deal” while garage saling, thrifting with a special friend, and exploring flea markets.

Beth looked forward to sharing coffee with the “school skippers” and loved the Bible studies with her study group.  Spending time with friends was always precious to her.

She especially loved her family and all the special moments they shared whether they were on a cruise or simply enjoying Christmas in the shop.  An excellent cook, Beth’s special treat for her family was when she made Swedish pancakes for the grandchildren and baked her delicious homemade bread.

Above all she loved the Lord. Throughout her lifetime Beth was active in her church, teaching Sunday school, serving on church boards, and strengthening her faith through Bible studies.  It was that strong faith which sustained her to the very end.

Beth was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Erickson; her brother, Arlan Erickson and her father-in-law, Bill Bergquist.

She is survived by Steve, her husband of 49 years and her children Doug (Jill) Bergquist of Erhard; Gerry (Jennifer) Bergquist of Pelican Rapids, and Sarah (Marvin) Vareberg of Detroit Lakes.  She is also survived by her mother, Betty Erickson of Pelican Rapids; mother-in-law, Phyllis Bergquist of Detroit Lakes and brothers Irvin (Joan) Erickson of Mora and Everett (RaeNell) Erickson of Pelican Rapids.  In addition there are the loves of her life, her eight grandchildren: Doug’s children – Josie and Colton; Gerry’s children – Olivia, Holly, and Jack; and Sarah’s children – Isabel, Bethany and Wyatt.  She will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews and special friends.

Beth has blessed our lives and will be greatly missed.