Beth Marie (Loken) Gedde

Beth passed away peacefully on August 27th, 2025, at the age of 78, at her home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred & Gertrude Loken, and her Brother-in-law, Harland Floden. Survived by children Diana (Mark) Chauvin, Andrea Puder, and Jonathan Gedde, grandchildren: Jack, Adam, Julia, Samuel, Naomi, and Maria, sister Blanche Floden, brother Peter (Jeanne) Loken, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. She will be remembered for her joyful spirit, selfless nature, steadfast faith, and endless love for family and friends. Memorial services: Saturday, September 20th, 2025 - visitation at 12 pm, memorial service at 1 pm, reception at 2 pm, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Avenue, Anoka. Internment at Zion following the memorial service. Memorials to her favorite charities are preferred.

Roots & Childhood

Beth grew up on a farm in Carlisle, Minnesota, where she learned the values of faith, hard work, humility, and family. She often shared stories of baling hay and milking cows, memories that carried both the grit of daily chores and the joy of growing up surrounded by her sweet, loving parents and siblings. Life on the farm reflected traditional roles—her father working in the field and her mother minding the children and home—but Beth carried the lessons of both: strength, resilience, and love. She grew up with two older siblings, Blanche and Pete, who remained an important part of her life.

Faith

Faith was a cornerstone of Beth’s life from the very beginning. She was raised in a small country church, Hedemarken Lutheran, watching her dad sing in the choir and her mom teach Sunday school. She developed a deep sense of community and devotion, a constant throughout her life. Upon moving to the Twin Cities, Zion Lutheran in Anoka became her spiritual home where she sang in the choir, participated in bible studies, volunteered for many events, and even took on the unusual job of “watering the pianos”—keeping the instruments properly humidified. The phrase always made her laugh and became a favorite family joke, but it also reflected her willingness to quietly serve wherever she was needed. Her faith was never loud or boastful—it was steady, consistent, and omnipresent through her actions.

Beauty & Spirit

Beth was radiant inside and out. As a young woman, she competed in pageants where she played saxophone and won many titles, symbols of her talent, grace, beauty, and charm. Yet what made her truly beautiful was not her crowns but the way she lit up every room with her warm smile and gentle spirit. Her laugh—more of a sweet little giggle—was contagious, and she had a way of making those around her feel lighter and happier just by being near her. She loved her Minnesota roots and often sprinkled her speeches with phrases like “uff-da,” a reminder of her joyful, down-to-earth nature.

Motherhood

As a mother, Beth devoted everything she had to her children. She made sure, every single day, that they knew they were loved and were the most important thing in the world. Holidays were her canvas for joy—Christmas, Easter, birthdays, even St. Patrick’s Day became magical. Extensive decorations for every holiday and special holiday food like lefse for Christmas, “Cherry-Berries on a Cloud” for Valentine’s Day, and “Green eggs and ham” (accompanied by orange juice dyed green) for St. Patrick’s Day, were not just silly traditions; they were pure expressions of her desire to make life fun and memorable for her kids. She accomplished that goal beyond measure. If there was a holiday, event, or milestone—no matter the significance—she had a unique ability to make it special. Her love was steady, playful, and unconditional. Her children never doubted how deeply she cherished them.

Teaching

Beth dedicated 28 years to teaching, most of those as a first-grade teacher. She had a gift for working with children, not just teaching them to read and write but helping them feel safe, cared for, and valued. Her classroom was always bright and inviting, decorated with supplies she bought herself because she wanted her students to feel excited about learning. She poured in countless extra hours, staying late and grading papers late into the night, because her students deserved her very best. After her career as a teacher, her dedication to education did not slow down. She joined the Anoka chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), dedicated to providing scholarships and educational opportunities for students throughout the world. She devoted countless hours to the organization and its mission, serving in many important roles, including chapter President. For Beth, teaching wasn’t just a career—it was her calling—another way she lived out her deep love for children.

“Nana” & her Grandkids

From the moment her first grandchild was born, Beth’s most cherished role was that of “Nana.” Her six grandkids, Jack (24), Adam (21), Julia (17), Sam (17), Naomi (14), and Maria (11) are the luckiest (and most spoiled) grandchildren! Beth’s face beamed with pride each time she attended an event to support her grandchildren. Nana was their biggest fan at dance recitals & orchestra concerts, hockey arenas & baseball fields, daycare & babysitting, baking & reading together. No event went uncelebrated. She spoiled each of them and loved them beyond measure.

Nana was her role not only for her grandbabies but for her daughters, Diana and Andrea, as they became new mothers. If they needed advice or reassurance, she was there for them, from diaper rash through the first teenage eye-roll! Beth was the heart of the entire family.  

Friends and Travel

Beth’s social calendar was always full! She had many fabulous friends, and they knew that Beth would be happy to join in the fun, whatever it was. They created countless memories and experiences together playing dominoes, cards, golf, volunteering, attending concerts, and Twins games, not just in Minnesota but around the country. She loved to travel and had many adventures, starting with a trip to Denmark when she was 16! Once she retired, she embraced her free time by continuing to explore the world, including Prague to visit Diana, Scotland/UK, Eastern Europe, Norway, and the Holy Land.

Selfless Love

Beth was generous to a fault. Not only did she shower others with gifts, homemade food, and her time, but she never wanted to be a bother or have others worry about her. Even when she was sick, she would keep it to herself until it was impossible to hide. Beth prioritized her children, family, and friends over her own needs. This deep selflessness defined her life—consistently pouring herself out for others, always choosing love and sacrifice over comfort. This was one of her greatest gifts.

Beth will be missed beyond measure by all who had the pleasure of knowing her!

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