Beatrice Long
December 16, 1932 - October 07, 2020
Obituary
MCFARLAND – On a beautiful fall day, our mother, Beatrice Emma Caroline “Bea” (Kolberg) Long, age 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 at Agrace HospiceCare. She was born on Dec. 16, 1932, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter of Julius and Hilda (Hageman) Kolberg. Bea attended Browntown High School and graduated from Shakopee High School in Minnesota. After graduating from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa in 1953, Bea worked for Rural Mutual Insurance Company for 40 years, retiring in 1993. She was a long-standing member of Hope Lutheran Church in McFarland.
Bea’s life was centered around her family. She was a devoted and loving mother who was always proud of her children’s accomplishments, their independence, and the love they gave in return. Her extended Smith Ridge Road family meant the world to her and she loved them dearly.
Over the years, she loved camping, playing cards, snowmobiling, her many cruises, and vacations with friends and family. She thoroughly enjoyed her involvement in various social clubs and working many years as a poll worker and volunteering at the Governor’s Mansion.
Beatrice is survived by her children, Sandra Long, Norma (Arthur Dawson) Maly and Alan (Julie) Long; brothers, Rudy (Dorothy) Kolberg of Columbus, Ohio and Alfred (Verla) Kolberg of Burnsville, Minn.; and nieces, nephews, and many many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A public drive through visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. A private funeral service will be held. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM, may visit Bea’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 12 noon on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Burial will be at Hope Cottage Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Tue Oct 13, 2020 @ 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Tue Oct 13, 2020 @ 12:00 PM CDT
Livestream Event • Livestream via webcast, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Photos
Memories
TF
Tama Frazier
Other •
Sandy Long has been a good friend to George and I. Her mother has taught her well. Beatrice was a woman of great ambition. Sandy, sorry for your pain and loss. We hope to see you soon and that you will be doing well.
Sandy let’s hope to meet in person at Me & Julio’s on Halloween Day, Saturday Oct. 31, 2020 to offer our condolences from the group.
DM
Dennis Marx
Other •
It was a joy to work with Bea at Rural Insurance. She and I supervised departments and collaborated on many projects. Her nephew, Tom, was married to Connie Donovan Long, so Bea was affectionately known as "Aunt Bea" to those of us who knew her. Rest in peace!
SR
Sue Reinardy
Other •
Found a couple of old pictures - one of Bea in Canada on a fishing trip with Bob & Jean Mueller. The other is all the ladies standing behind the snowmobile tropies that the guys won during that season. I would guess both photos are from the late 60's sponsored by Campers Service. Submitted by Susie Mueller Reinardy
SR
Sue Reinardy
Other •
Our sympathies to Bea's family. I have so many wonderful memories of her during our camping & snowmobile adventures. Plus all the time we spent together at sport shows in the 60's. She was always a calm presence during the chaos. She will certainly be missed but glad we have those memories.
SS
Sandra Kay Starch
Other •
Bea hired me at Rural Insurance. I will never forget during my first week at work, Bea bent over to file a draft and her teeth fell out on the floor. Being a new employee, I didn't know if I should laugh or look away. Bea started laughing really loud so I laughed and we became good friends from that day forward. My mother, Rose Stuvetraa, also became good friends with Bea. My deepest condolences to the family, Rest in Peace, dear sweet Bea.
PK
Patrick Kennedy
Other •
So sorry to learn re: Bea's unfortunate demise. Have known Bea for over 40 yrs and we, of course, had all the youngsters in school. Bea lived just down the street from our daughter Tracey so had the opportunity to see her often. She also attended to her health at the HS workout center until it was not possible or to difficult. Just went by the house last and wondered if she were OK? Bea lived a very special life and always made us feel good/great about ourselves when ever we would interact. She had a special capacity to extend goodness and optimism over the course of our conversations. I/we will miss you Be a but know you are in the BEST place. Take care my good friend and know the world is a better place because you passed by. Rest in peace me' good friend. Patrick Kennedy