Bea Muckala passed away in full confidence in her Savior on July 9, 2023, at Perham Living Skilled Nursing Home at 100 years of age. Funeral Services were held on July 15, 2023, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Nicholas Kandoll and Pastor Don Salo officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Louise Amberg-Jokela. Pallbearers were David Muckala, Dan Muckala, Daniel Arndt, Matt Fredericks, Noah Demarais, and Zach Eisenmann. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Bea’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Bea was laid to rest at Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills.

Beatrice Lillian Eunice Muckala was born on March 10, 1923, to Fred and Mary (Mark) Trupukka in Deer Creek Township, the fifth of seven children. She attended country school and then high school in New York Mills.

Beatrice was married to William A. Muckala on July 12, 1941. Bill died on June 6, 1961, after a brief illness. Bea then went on to own and manage the farm they had moved to in 1960, as she raised their nine children. While Mom didn’t much like cows or heights, she helped her children with carrying the milk buckets and rescued her son when he became entangled in the silage unloader.

She was a dedicated housekeeper and an excellent cook and baker. She and her friend Agnes Haavig would trade fresh milk for eggs. As children, some of our earliest memories were of having fresh baked goodies after school.

Mom was soft-spoken, raising her voice only when stern correction of her children were needed. She led by example for being a hard worker.

One of Mom’s greatest regrets was that she married too soon, and was unable to finish high school, as was the tradition of the time. Her goal for her children, then, was to have the opportunity to attend post-secondary education, which all her children did. Mom, herself, was an avid reader and loved flowers. She volunteered through the Senior Center Retired Senior Volunteer Program for 20 years and at her church.

Mom’s greatest cares were for her children and her church.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband Bill, parents Mary and Fred, and siblings Arnold, Eddie, Walter, Bernice. Beulah, and Maryanne.

Bea is survived by her children Ken (Rita) Muckala, Kathy (Dave) Foreman, Gerry (Karen) Muckala, Gary Muckala, Janice (Bernie) Demarais, Carol (Bob) Hagel, Sarah Ozerov, Dennis (Toni) Muckala, and Teresa (John) Muckala-Senglaub. At the time of her passing Mom had 20 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Bea’s family sincerely thanks the staff at Perham Living, Timbergrove Household, where she was cared for with kindness and gentleness in the last years of her life.

Blessed be her memory.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Bea’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.