The peace and calmness that she so deserved was blessed upon Beatrice Gussiaas as she was called to her eternal rest on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington, ND, at the age of 83.

Beatrice Catherine Heintz was born in rural Orrin, ND, on November 15, 1935, to Anton and Frances (Mack) Heintz.  In 1942, her family moved to Sykeston, ND.  Beatrice had worked for the Orville and Ann Lundby family near Sykeston dedicating her time to providing childcare and household tasks. She simply adored her time working for them as was evident in the many conversations she shared with us.

Beatrice was smitten by a young man she met at Rainbow Gardens and on November 24, 1959, she and Luverne Gussiaas were married; from then on, her life was complete and filled with love, adventure and true devotion. Together they built their family farm northeast of Carrington, where they raised small grains, milked dairy cows and provided a beautiful and giving life to their five children: Janel, Julie, Michael, Becki and Joel. Beatrice was an integral part of their family farm, driving grain truck, running the dairy operation, tending to her big garden, managing the financial records, all while raising their children and running a busy household.

Beatrice, known as Beatty to those who truly appreciated and knew her spunky spirit, welcomed all of her children’s friends into their home with the hospitality that only a “real” mom can offer to others. One of her favorite past times was the Foster County Fair where she would spend each and every day at this annual event chatting with old friends, making new acquaintances and taking in the cattle judging.  She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and a member of the Carrington Health Center Auxiliary, cherishing her volunteer time at the Happy Heart Hutch until such time that her Parkinson’s disease no longer allowed her the opportunity to do so.

The one thing that was surprising of Beatrice is that even though she was an extremely thrifty individual, she loved to frequent the casinos and enjoyed any opportunity to pull those one-armed bandits!

Due to her debilitating health, Beatrice’s life came to a complete halt in the way she loved to live it – carefree, full of laughter and chatter, and driving to visit friends and family on a regular basis. She entered Golden Acres Manor in 2014, where she was cared for by the staff members who considered her a part of their extended family.

Beatrice leaves behind many who loved and cherished her. Her children: Janel (Rick) Harrington, Carrington, ND; Julie (the late Keith) Peterson, Robinson, ND; Michael (Stacey) Gussiaas, New Rockford, ND; Becki (Jeff) Wolf, Robinson, ND; and Joel (Marvae) Gussiaas, New Rockford, ND. Her grandchildren: Shane Harrington, Dustin (Krissy) Peterson, Darin (Cally) Peterson, Danielle (Mike) Wachter, Christopher (Alicia) Gussiaas, Brandon Gussiaas (fiancée, Hannah Lipetzky), Jackson Wolf, Dalton and Jessica Gussiaas, Taustin (Julie) Harrington, Tayler Harrington and Taysha Harrington (fiancé, Tim Johnson). Along with her great grandchildren: Dylan and Everett Peterson, Owen and Kylie Wachter, Bodey and Ande Gussiaas, and Jazmyn and Tiegen Harrington. Her brothers, Zeno, Eugene, Jimmy and Tony; one sister, Betty. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Phyllis Gussiaas, Mabel Bittner and Judy Swanson along with a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends, especially Angie Oster.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, grandson Jarett Wolf, a son-in-law Keith Peterson, two brothers, Daniel and Dennis; three sisters, Magdalene, Adeline and Rosemary.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 9:00AM-6:45PM with a Rosary Service at 6:45PM followed by a Prayer Service at 7:00PM all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington.

Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.