Linda Beam

Linda Beam, 78, of St. James, Minn., died at her home on Wednesday, March 26, 2014.

A funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, at First Lutheran Church in St. James, Minn., with Rev. Todd Nelsen officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James, Minn. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James, Minn., and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday. You may send the family condolences online at www.sturmfh.com.

Linda Lou Beorkrem was born on March 11, 1936, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and June (Blaylock) Beorkrem. Linda grew up in Cedar Rapids and Newton, where she graduated from high school in 1954. She attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated with a degree in music education. On June 15, 1958, she was united in marriage to William Beam in Newton. The couple made their home in St. Paul Park, Minn., where she taught music in area schools before moving to St. James in 1961. She taught in LaSalle and Ormsby schools for several years. They moved to a farm near LaSalle with their twin daughters in 1979. Linda moved into St. James following Bill’s death in 2003.

Linda was active at First Lutheran Church; she was in the choir, served on church council and participated in circle. She was also active in Knitting Club, Sewing Club, Tuesday Club and AAUW. She served as chairwoman for the Republican Party of Watonwan County. She and her family enjoyed traveling, especially to Great Britain, Norway and Germany. She enjoyed listening to music, reading and doing puzzles.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Beam and Kristen Beam, both of Eagan, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Beam, and her parents, Harold and June Beorkrem.