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Beachem

Howard Harold Stanton Beachem

Scotland, SD

1934, 1791, Custer, F-12,

Howard Harold Stanton Beachem was born on February 9, 1914, in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, to parents, Charles and Geneva (Stanton) Beachem. Howard and his twin sister, Helen were the oldest of 9 children. As a young boy, Howard attended country school in South Dakota and being the oldest boy in the family finished school early to help at home on the farm.

As a young man, Howard enjoyed playing the guitar, harmonica, and the valve trombone. From February 1934 to July 1935, Howard served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Custer, South Dakota, and came to Ortonville in July 1936.

On July 12, 1941, Howard married Anna Bergitha Thomson at the Eidskog Lutheran Church in Otrey Township, rural Ortonville, MN. Together the couple made their home on a farm near Ortonville, MN, where they were blessed with three daughters, Marie, Cheryll, and Hope. Howard and Anna continued to work and live on the farm for over 50 years. In 2003, Howard retired from farming and the couple moved to Ortonville.

Family was very important to Howard and he remained very close with all of his family. In his spare time, Howard took pleasure in the quiet time spent reading westerns and listening to music. He also enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Twins and playing cards. Being from the farm, Howard naturally enjoyed the outdoors and all it had to offer, however his most cherished times were spent with family and friends.

As an adult, Howard was confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at the Eidskog Lutheran Church in Otrey Township, rural Ortonville, MN. He was proud to have served his church by teaching Sunday School, acting as Sunday School Superintendent, as well as a Deacon of the church. He will be truly missed by those that loved him and called him friend.

Howard passed away on Sunday, July 15, 2007, at his home in Ortonville, MN, reaching the age of 93 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Geneva; wife, Anna; his twin sister, Helen Ludeman; two brothers, Ward Beachem and Dale Beachem; and a special nephew, Matt Haugen.

Left to cherish Howard's memory are his three daughters, Marie (Dan) Dokken, Cheryll Weium and Hope (Clyde Dessonville) Beachem; five grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; two brothers, Norvin (Shirley) Beachem and Keith (Janet) Beachem; three sisters, Bliss Gerjets; Joan (Marvin) Block; and LaVay Anderson; a special niece, Alice Michelson; five sisters-in-law, Agnes Thomson; Cleone Thomson; Bernice Thomson; Ruth Swanson; and Francis Beachem; as well as many other nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Howard Beachem at the burn pileHoward Beachem at the burn pile, Camp Custer.

Do you have additional information about Howard Beachem

We would like to included it. Please write or email us at History "at" SouthDakotaCCC "dot" org.

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