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Lana Marie Beam

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On February 21, 2018 @ 2:33 pm In 2018,Obituaries | 26 Comments

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Lana Marie Beam, age 68, lost her 12-year battle with cancer on Monday, February 19, 2018, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN. She was a long-time resident of Prior Lake, MN.

A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, February 25, from 2-5 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and on Monday, February 26 from 10-10:50 am, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Pastor Adam Teske will preside.

On September 18, 1949 in Decorah, Iowa, Lana was born to parents Elmer and Edith (Sersland) Gipp. She was the fourth of five children raised on the family 200-acre farm. Lana was more of a Tomboy, for she was always side by side with her dad. Together, they spent long hours working the fields and tending to the daily chores on the farm. Lana attended a one room county school, just down the road. After Elmer retired, the Gipp family moved into town. She then furthered her education at Decorah High School, where Lana participated in cheerleading and was even crowned the Homecoming Queen. She graduated in 1967.

Lana decided to explore the country. She attended a flight attendant school in Kansas City and later. traveled to Washington DC and began working for the FBI, as a fingerprint specialist. Wanting to be closer to her family, Lana then took a job as a Dental Assistant in Fridley, MN. And made her final move and most enjoyable career was working with the Prior Lake School District, where Lana held her position for 32 years. Lana loved working with her students and built long lasting relationships with them that still exist today. She loved the idea of learning, especially with those that struggled.

Lana was blessed with two sons, Todd and Josh. She was an amazing mother and adored her sons. Lana’s life was once again enriched, when she met Troy Allen Beam, through mutual friends. They instantly hit it off. Lana and Troy married on July 18, 1992, in Prior Lake, MN. She enjoyed the simple things in life. Lana loved to, travel, especially to Florida to see her son and spending quality time with family and friends.

It was Lana’s home that was her pride and joy. Lana spent countless hours tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She made sure that whomever came over, they were comfortable and felt welcomed. Lana relished planning events, from simple family gatherings, to holiday celebrations and especially her son’s wedding. In her spare time, Lana loved to bargain shop, collect giraffes and was the queen of coupons. She treasured all of her relationships but particularly the close friendships of Beth Brazier and Amber Corcoran.

Lana had an amazing personality. She loved helping others. Whoever needed her, she was there. She had an infectious smile and would light up any room, along with her hardy laugh. She was caring, respectful and always had special words of wisdom. She loved her relationships with her students, but her greatest passion was being a wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend to many.

Forever loved and forever missed by husband of 26 years, Troy Beam; son, Todd Giem and family Leslie, Masyn and grandson, Jackson Lyle; son, Josh and wife Chanda Giem; sisters, Linda Hoppel, Lois Estrem, Lorna Gipp; many relatives and friends.

There to greet Lana home in heaven are her parents; brother, Lyle; brothers-in-law, Don Hoppel and Paul Estrem.

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Condolences for the family of “Lana Marie Beam”

Condolence from Linda McMahon on February 21st, 2018 4:54 pm

Lana was one of the most positive, wonderful people I knew! Just loved her! She will be missed!

Condolence from Kristi Berg Gilbert on February 21st, 2018 5:40 pm

To the family of Lana, we all share in your sorrow. At Decorah High, Lana was one of my besties as a classmate and dear friend. Her love for life and always having fun goes all the way back to her high school days. Everyone loved Lana and her very fun laugh. She was a genuine lady and will be missed. We had so much while attending high school and everything that went with it.
In sympathy, as Lana now shares her love ( and laugh!) – with all those in Heaven.

Condolence from Leonard and Rita Kalal on February 21st, 2018 6:00 pm

Our sincerest sympathy.Lana was a dear person.

Condolence from Jerry Krambeer on February 21st, 2018 6:37 pm

Deepest sympathy to Lana’s family from the Decorah High School class of 1967
Jerry Krambeer, Decorah, IA

Condolence from Eileen Foran on February 21st, 2018 8:59 pm

So very sorry to hear of Lana’s passing. I used to work with her at Hidden Oaks Middle School. I will always remember her infectious smile and her laugh, it made you laugh. Heaven gained an angel.

Condolence from Eduardo Sanchez on February 21st, 2018 10:33 pm

Rest in peace Lana Beam you were always great to work with. You never let me worry about you always have the biggest heart of gold. we always made each other laugh and you made work and life much brighter. Thank you so much for the kindness you showed me over the years I’ll never forget the fun moments we had. I’ll see you in the stars some day trouble maker!

Condolence from Becky Klang on February 21st, 2018 10:50 pm

Lana was such a positive force and her laugh so wonderful, she was an inspiration. Hugs to her family, our deepest sympathy.

Condolence from Rachel C McKay on February 22nd, 2018 9:07 am

Lana will forever live on in the hearts of her students and everyone she ever touched. She is a one of a kind and will be greatly missed by everyone at TOMS. Lana’s energy was endless and her laughter and tears were contagious. She battled more than an army and was one of the toughest, bravest people I have ever met.

Condolence from Laura MacBlane on February 22nd, 2018 12:52 pm

I am very sorry to hear of Lana’s passing. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Condolence from KimWilliams on February 22nd, 2018 1:44 pm

To Ms. Beam’s family-
I am sorry to hear the news about Ms.Beam….
I have 4 children in the Prior Lake schools and Ms. Beam touched the heart of all 4 of my kids. She made an amazing difference in each of their lives and without her encouraging words and her wonderful ways of making them feel important and special … I truly don’t think that they would have made it through the middle school years without her love, help and guidance…(she even came to 2 of their graduation parties… unfortunately she won’t be able to make it to the last 2 parties coming up )
She helped “mold” the people they are today!!!
I’m sorry for your incredible loss but happy that she is no longer suffering and in pain.
Please know that she was so deeply loved by so many and will missed terribly…
-Kim Williams &
Loved by her students,
Abbey, Aaron, Alex and Alden Williams

Condolence from Carolyn “Shep” Shields on February 22nd, 2018 3:45 pm

My heart aches for your family. I treasured Lana’s friendship for the past fifty years. When I had joy or sorrow or just needed to hear her laugh, I always knew I could call her. Please know her “FBI” friends share in your sorrow.

Condolence from Melissa Enger on February 22nd, 2018 3:50 pm

Lana, or “Mrs. Beam” as she was known to our family, was THE MOST impactful instructor in the the life of my son, Evan, Had she not been an after school tutor, he very likely would not have advanced through his TOMS years. She had a special fondness for academically-struggling youngsters, and touched lives like no other in these formative years.

God bless you, Dear Lana, and prayers to your family,
Melissa Enger
Board Director, #719

Condolence from Deb Schumacher on February 22nd, 2018 4:08 pm

Sympathy to all of her family and friends. We know Linda, and the wonderful things said about Lana could also be said about her. A family easy to love. Deb and Darrell Schumacher

Condolence from Tyler Foust on February 22nd, 2018 7:31 pm

Our hearts go out you and your family……..

I was so sad when Mrs Beam retired last year. She was one of my favorite paras. She was always so positive and bubbly. If I was having a bad day or a rough time she was always there for me. She supported me in so many ways and helped me get through a lot of my classes. I am grateful that I had a chance to be her student.

Tyler Foust
Former student

Condolence from Scott, Sheryl, Michael Haugen on February 23rd, 2018 8:55 am

To the family of Lana Beam,
There are no words to express our deep sadness for your loss. We truly believe Lana was an Angel walking among us here on earth … and we told her that many, many times (minimally she was OUR Angel). She supported and encouraged our son during his 8th grade year at TOMS and it was truly the best gift we could have received. She had this amazing way of being firm yet loving and the kids truly responded. Thanks for sharing such an amazing person with us. She will always hold such a special place in the hearts of MY family.

The Haugen Family

Condolence from Michael Keefe on February 23rd, 2018 11:46 am

I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss that smile and laugh. I will miss my friend and classmate of DHS 1967. Mike Keefe, Clear Lake, Iowa.

Condolence from Keri Finholt Freienmuth on February 23rd, 2018 11:33 pm

My sympathy to Troy, Todd, Josh and all your families. Lana and I were classmates at DHS. After we discovered that we lived in the same area, we attended class reunions together and had lunch occasionally, most recently a couple weeks after our 50th reunion last October. She was a bright light in our world and will be missed by the students and staff at Prior Lake Schools, friends from high school and all of you. Cherish all the good times and memories. God bless you all.

Condolence from Patricia Kruger Fenneman on February 24th, 2018 9:14 am

I am very sorry for your loss. I remember her wonderful smile and bubbly personality. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her family and friends from a classmate of DHS 1967.
Patricia Fenneman, Clarksville, IA

Condolence from Jacqueline Flick on February 25th, 2018 2:04 am

Mrs. Beam’s Family,
On Tuesday morning of this past week I received a call from a Twin Oaks counselor letting me know that Mrs. Beam passed away the previous day. My heart immediately sank and tears formed in my eyes. How was I going to tell my 8th grade daughter of her passing? I am her mama and I knew that there was nothing I could do to fix or mend the pain Maria would feel in regards to this loss. I prayed all day for God to guide me with my words when telling my Maria about the passing of one of her favorite people on earth. My baby, all five feet seven inches of her curled in my lap as I told her about Mrs. Beam. Her eyes welled up with gigantic tears that gently began flowing down her cheeks. She shook her head no and melted into me in disbelief. Mrs. Beam was not just a teacher to Maria, she was a light for her during one of her most difficult years. She was the person that gave my daughter confidence, strength, encouragement and a shoulder to cry during tough days. Mrs. Beam was the reason Maria woke up in the morning to attend school. She gave Maria unconditional love that unfortunately isn’t given to enough of our students in today’s world. We have all heard that it takes a village to raise a child and Mrs. Beam was definitely Maria’s village ANGEL. As I reflect on life after the loss my little lady is dealing with, I only hope that I can touch just one person in the way Lana touched my child. That to me would be the ultimate success of a life that was worth living. May God embrace Mrs. Beam’s family with love and strength during this difficult time. I told Maria she is the lucky one because she now has a true heavenly angel that will forever be watching over her. She came home from school Wednesday with one of Mrs. Beam’s beloved stuffed animal giraffes. The giraffe she named Beamer hasn’t left her arms. Mrs. Beam I want to thank from the bottom of my heart for the genuine love and friendship you gave Maria.
Warmly, Jacqueline Flick

Condolence from Jacob Konken on February 25th, 2018 4:19 pm

Mrs. Beams Family,

I want to wish you my deepest sympathies. Mrs. Beam was one of my teachers last year. She was a really good teacher. She was always there and willing to help me out when I needed it and she always brightened up my day when I was having trouble. I will miss her very much.

Jacob Konken

Condolence from David Morstad on February 25th, 2018 5:03 pm

I am sorry to hear of Lana’s passing. My sympathy to the family.

Condolence from Sylvia L. Graves Steine on February 26th, 2018 2:43 pm

My deepest sympathy to Lana’s family. I was a classmate of Lana’s at DHS Class of 1967. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Condolence from Darrel Branhagen on February 26th, 2018 3:10 pm

One of the nicest friends I have ever known, from pre-kindergarten Sunday School at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church, through confirmation, and graduation together at Decorah High School. We’ll all miss her forever. Peace to you, Lana, your family and friends.

Condolence from Cortney Buck on February 26th, 2018 7:20 pm

Lana’s ability to make connections with people was a gift to all who got to know her. She was an amazing teacher because of this. I will miss her smile, her humor and her strength.
Much love to you.

Condolence from Char Voigt on February 27th, 2018 8:33 am

I was privileged to work with Lana many years ago at school. She was so dedicated to helping each student and a delight to be around. She will be missed much by all who knew her. Cherish all the wonderful memories and Peace be with you.

Condolence from Shannon Sorenson and Family on March 6th, 2018 2:10 pm

My family’s hearts and prayers for the beam family. I had this wonderful woman from 6th to 8th grade! She has brought me a lot of wonderful memories and chats we had. Middle school is such a tough year for many children but Lana was so passionate and understanding. I graduated 2016 from Prior Lake and working at Micheal’s Arts and Craft, she would stop by and visit, chatting with me and talking about the school year. Lana was really loved by her students, even some who would stop by and write on her wall, giving her a small message. She was a very special and talented teacher and my heart, thoughts and prayers are with the Beam Family.

Prayers and Love,

Shannon Sorenson and Family

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