Berdene "Bea" Steen received her angel wings on January 30, 2019, she was 81 years young!  She was born near Alexandria, MN on December 28, 1937 and baptized at St Marys Catholic Church in 1938, received 1st communion in 1944 and confirmed in 1950.

Her grade school education was in a one room school house near Carlos, MN and she graduated from Alexandria Central High at the age of 16 in June 1954.

In 1959 she married Orlano "Ole" Steen and divorced in 1976, but remained good friends.  Three children were born to them:  Traci, Terry and Trudi.

Bea worked as an Engineering Secretary at the Honeywell Corp; as an Executive Assistant for the Clarke Corp and a Field Superintendent/Housing Developer for the Dietrich Company.

In February 1977, Bea and her children moved to Townsend, MT.  She worked for the Highway Department (MDT) as a paralegal and retired in 1997 to care for her mom.  After her mom passed in 2004, she went back to work part-time as a Deputy Clerk of Court; delivered flowers for the Flower Haus; delivered the Audit; night auditor at Days Inn and an Independent Sales Consultant for the Helena IR.

She was a talented musician, playing the accordion and organ professionally for 28 years.  She also bowled on different leagues until 1981.

Bea has always been involved in her community.  She housed players for the Helena Brewers and Helena ice Pirates and was the president of both booster clubs.

She was a sports enthusiast and big fan of the Vikings and Twins.  But her biggest thrill was being a fan of Nascar driver Dale Jarrett.  At her first Nascar race in Las Vegas, they become friends and from that point forward Dale invited her to lunches, races and his Nascar Hall of Fame induction.  In 2009 at Talladega Speedway, Dale gave her a ride around the track at over 180 mph!  She was very honored to be Dale Jarrett's friend.

Bea loved gardening, baking and canning, especially pickles and jellies which she gave away.

Bea received many, many awards for her outstanding work and achievements.  She was also a member of many organizations:  Cathedral of St Helena, NASCAR, MPERA, Elks Club, Ladies of the Moose and VFW Aux Post #10010, just to name a few.

She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Elizabeth Ekdahl and brothers Lester and Cliff.

She is survived by her children: Traci (Kelly DeLaHunt) of East Helena, Terry (Carla) Steen of Idaho Falls, Trudi (Larry)Fenster of Portland and grandchildren Heather Allison of Helena and Mat (Alissa) Helvik of Spokane and great grandchildren Sailor and Lakely Helvik; and sister Marlene Arel of Florida.

A family gathering will be held in July or August at St Marys Cemetery (Alexandria, MN) where her ashes will be laid to rest with her parents, per her wishes.

A celebration of life will be held in Helena, at the end of April, so that her many friends can wish her goodbye and enjoy the last of her famous "Aunt Bea's pickles".  Details will be posted when arrangements have been made.

Bea didn't want anyone to be sad that she is gone, she wanted all of us to be "happy, happy, happy!" and to "hold on to the memories".

Arrangements under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.