Beatrice "Bea" was born in Madison, S.D., to Julius and Lydia Hartman. She attended St. Thomas School in Madison graduating in 1941. Soon after graduation she traveled by bus to San Diego, Calif., joining up with her high school sweetheart from Wentworth, S.D.
They married in 1942 and remained in San Diego supporting the war effort. Both worked at Consolidated Aircraft until Elmer entered the service in 1944. While Elmer served in the Navy, Bea returned to the Midwest living with family until his service was complete in 1946.
After Elmer's service discharge, the couple farmed and raised mink in the Wentworth and Madison, S.D., area for several years. Bea supplemented their income working at J.C. Penney while their kids attended school in Madison.
In 1963 the couple fulfilled their lifelong dream, returning to California owning and operating an equipment rental business in Oakland, Calif. They sold the business and moved to Winnemucca, Nev., in 1979 where they operated a retail antique store.
Winnemucca was home until their health required that they move closer to family where assisted living was available at Foothill Village in Angels Camp, Calif.
Bea was interested in sewing, gardening, and antiques. She was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and the Senior Center in Winnemucca. She often volunteered at the "Poke and Peek" a popular thrift store which supported the local hospital.
She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Elmer, and four children. Terry and Larry Jacob of Bismarck, N.D., Roger and Ellie Larsen of Angels Camp, Calif., Detra Walker of Salinas, Calif., and Connie and Avery Pratt of Danville, Calif.
Four surviving sisters and two brothers include Rozanne Broomhead, Judy Nelson, and Jerry Hartman of Salt Lake City, Patricia Deelstra of Arizona, and James Hartman of Brookings S.D. She has 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
She is preceeded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014. at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Angels Camp, Calif. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to a disabled veterans charity in Bea's name.[[In-content Ad]]
