Obituary of Ilma K. Beck

Ilma K. Beck, 97 of Cromwell, formerly of Hoyt Lakes, died Saturday, October, 5, 2002 in the Villa Vista Nursing Home. She was born April 6, 1905 in Turku, Finland to John and Rosa Laaksonen. She emigrated to the United States with her family in 1907. The family lived in Fitchburg, Mass. and Virginia, Minn. prior to homesteading in Brimson, Minn. Ilma's husband, Sulo was a section foreman for the DM&IR Railroad at both Ridge and Allen Junction, Minn. Ilma would cook for the men who stayed in the company quarters. Upon retirement, they purchased the section house at Allen Junction and remained there until they both entered the Villa Vista Nursing Home in 1994. Ilma was an accomplished musician on the accordion, piano and organ. Mostly, she will be remembered for her humor and quick wit. Her original expressions are often quoted by those who have known her. Ilma was preceded in death by her husband, Sulo; brothers, Ulvas, Ilmari and Urho; sister, Irja Beckman; and nephew, Donald Beckman. She is survived by her nieces, Shirley Burrows of Two Harbors, Ruth Beckman of Kansas City, Missouri; nephew, Glenn (Doloris) Beckman of Prior Lake. She is also survived by several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law in the Cromwell area. He brother-in-law, Bob Beck and the staff at Villa Vista assured her well-being after her husband Sulo passed away. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 in the Villa Vista Nursing Home in Cromwell. Inurnment will be in the Bassett Cemetery in Brimson. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet.