Hope Mary Pahl

Hope Mary Pahl, 71, of Brownton, MN, passed away on June 22, 2025 at Methodist Hospital. Her Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, June 29 at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home (4565 Pleasant St.) in Prior Lake at 3pm. Prior to the service, there will be 2 hours of visitation from 1-2:45pm.

Hope was born in Dayton, Minnesota, the daughter of Ben and Marion Pahl. She was the ninth of twelve siblings. Born prematurely at just six months and weighing only 1.5 pounds, her tiny head could fit inside a coffee cup. She was a miracle — small but mighty — and a fighter from the very beginning.

She grew up in Prior Lake and spent her childhood on the lake. She loved fishing, swimming, playing in the woods, and building forts. One of her favorite places was the tree at Green Heights, where she would climb up and watch the people at the boat launch and out on the water. She was a member of the Prior Lake Ski Association. Because she was so small and lightweight, she could climb to the top of the pyramid, just like her oldest sister Joan. Her younger sister Charity said Hope always looked out for her.

On June 12, 1976, she married Paul Becksted. They made their home in Prior Lake and had five children together — four girls: Becky, Christina, April, and Angela — and finally, the boy they’d been hoping for, Garrett. During these years, Hope was busy raising her family while also working for several years at Control Data.

She loved playing softball with her sisters, Tammy and Monie for the B&D team. Paul enjoyed watching her play. She was the second baseman and hit many home runs. Her nickname was “Wheels” because she was so fast.

After two decades together, Hope and Paul divorced but remained friends.

In 1999, she met a new companion, Lanny Heinrich, who quickly stole her heart. The two enjoyed each other’s company and the family she brought with her. Lanny loved Hope’s children and grandchildren, and together they made many happy memories camping, fishing, and bringing the whole family together. Lanny passed away on July 15, 2015.

Hope remained single after Lanny’s passing and retired from Target on January 1, 2017, after 11 years of service. During her time there, she was loved by many customers and their children for her friendliness and kindness. Many knew her by name.

From 2019 to 2020, she lived with and cared for two of her grandchildren, Noah and Jameson. She cherished that time with them and loved caring for them deeply.

In late 2020, she and Garrett moved to Brownton, Minnesota, where she spent the rest of her days. She enjoyed sitting on her deck, gardening, and watching birds. Her favorite TV show was Survivor, and she was a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan — football Sundays were a must.

Hope was known for being feisty, strong, and independent. When she said, “Keep it up, or you're walking home!” she meant it. But she was also deeply loving, kind, and accepting of everyone. Her door was always open, and she went the extra mile to make people feel welcome.

She loved decorating for birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations to make every occasion special. Her tuna salad was the best! She absolutely adored her grandchildren — they were her world and never failed to put the biggest smile on her face. She was endlessly proud of all her family.

Hope is survived by her former spouse, Paul Becksted; children, Becky (Tony) Flint, Christina (Jeff) Galvin, April (Nygel) Spurlock, Angela (Vlad) Ward, Garrett Becksted; grandchildren, Breanna (Jon), Anthony (Jess), Alayna (Erik), Mariah (Tommy), Christian (Belinda), Deston, Shawn, Payton; great grandchildren, Dylan, Ben, Aria, Johnathan, Jameson, Noah, Asher, Heidi and two great grandbabies on the way; siblings, Nick (Judy) Pahl, Ben (Glady) Pahl, Ted (Maradee) Pahl , Monie (Bernie) Roehning, Ernie (Lynn) Pahl, Faith Pahl, Charity (Vern) Kleve, Tammy (Tom) Marchessault; and many other loving family members and friends

Hope is preceded in death by her Beloved Partner Lanny Heinrich; parents Benjamin and Marion Pahl; siblings Bruce (Barb) Pahl, Sherry (Bruce) Bergeron, Shelly Johnstone, and Joan Burrows.

John 16:22                                                                                                                                                              And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again,                                                                                    and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.