Joan G. Beaudoin, 88, Dickinson, died Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Surrounded by her family singing “Ave Maria” and “Panis Angelicus” at her bedside, at St. Benedict’s Health Care Center. She died as she lived: with dignity and grace.
Joan G. Beaudoin, 88, Dickinson, died Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Joan Georgia Steffes was born to John and Bertha (Kott) Steffes in Mohall, ND, on April 20, 1924. Joan and her mother moved to Dickinson where Joan’s mother was a cook for South Hall and Stickney Hall at Dickinson State Normal School Campus. Because Joan could not immediately live on campus with her mother, she lived with the sisters at St. Joseph’s convent for four years. As a fourth grader, Joan started school at St. Patrick’s and caught the eye of the new boy: Willard Beaudoin. It was love at first sight for Willard and eleven years later on July 26, 1944, he married Joan while he was home on leave from the Navy during WWII. They started their life together running City Cab Company in Dickinson. Sometimes for sixteen hours a day, Joan operated the phones for the drivers as the calls came in. Willard and Joan later purchased the Home Furniture store. In the last few years, as their stage curtain business grew, Joan could be seen pushing the scaffolding so Willard could reach the top curtains.
Fourteen children were born to Joan and Willard. Joan kept a home filled with faith, love, laughter, music, picnics, books, sewing projects, and traveling. Impromptu concerts were apt to break out during dishwashing, Medora picnics, holiday celebrations, and all family get‐togethers. Joan’s soprano and Willard’s baritone often sang together “Let the Rest of the World Go By.” Grandchildren and great grandchildren continue the joyful tradition. Joan’s hand‐stitched quilts were treasured by her children and grandchildren. Each quilt was designed uniquely for the recipient; she was adamant that the quilts be used and not put on display or stored in a closet. Those quilts and the love with which they were made provided much warmth. Her Christmas handmade nightgowns were also treasured gifts.
Summer picnic preparations were legendary: rice‐krispie chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and dessert were all packed in a big cooler to be taken to Green River, or Rocky Butte, or Medora. In addition, she always took a large Mason jar filled with hot soapy water and a rag…….just in case one of the family members got a little messy. Joan’s greatest joy was giving to her family. Her children, her grandchildren, and her great‐grandchildren are a lasting testament to her love and hard work.
Joan is survived by her sweetheart of sixty eight years, Willard, thirteen children and their spouses: Jim (Etty), Rick (Mary), Doug (Gail), Susie Kary (Ron), Dave (Deb), Maureen Gardner (Dan), Dan (Sandi), Mary (John Holden), Jeff (Julie), John (Beth), Julie Jacobs (Paul), Jeanie Goff (Mark), and Patty Riederer (Jim), 47 grandchildren and 38 great‐grandchildren. A son, Donald Paul, preceded her in death in 1960. She was also preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: John Steffes, Maye Leach, George, Howard, and Harry Steffes.
Joan was a life‐long member of St. Patrick’s Church, a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, St. Frances Cabrini study club, and, St. Thomas the Apostle Apologetics study group. She also was active in her book club, and was a barbershop quartet wife for over 55 years.
Joan received wonderful, loving care from the staff of St. Ben’s during the last year of her life. Thank you. “May angels lead you into Paradise…may the martyrs receive you and lead you to the holy city of Jerusalem…”
