Lana Marie Beam, age 68, lost her 12-year battle with cancer on Monday, February 19, 2018, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN. She was a long-time resident of Prior Lake, MN.
A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, February 25, from 2-5 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and on Monday, February 26 from 10-10:50 am, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Pastor Adam Teske will preside.
On September 18, 1949 in Decorah, Iowa, Lana was born to parents Elmer and Edith (Sersland) Gipp. She was the fourth of five children raised on the family 200-acre farm. Lana was more of a Tomboy, for she was always side by side with her dad. Together, they spent long hours working the fields and tending to the daily chores on the farm. Lana attended a one room county school, just down the road. After Elmer retired, the Gipp family moved into town. She then furthered her education at Decorah High School, where Lana participated in cheerleading and was even crowned the Homecoming Queen. She graduated in 1967.
Lana decided to explore the country. She attended a flight attendant school in Kansas City and later. traveled to Washington DC and began working for the FBI, as a fingerprint specialist. Wanting to be closer to her family, Lana then took a job as a Dental Assistant in Fridley, MN. And made her final move and most enjoyable career was working with the Prior Lake School District, where Lana held her position for 32 years. Lana loved working with her students and built long lasting relationships with them that still exist today. She loved the idea of learning, especially with those that struggled.
Lana was blessed with two sons, Todd and Josh. She was an amazing mother and adored her sons. Lana’s life was once again enriched, when she met Troy Allen Beam, through mutual friends. They instantly hit it off. Lana and Troy married on July 18, 1992, in Prior Lake, MN. She enjoyed the simple things in life. Lana loved to, travel, especially to Florida to see her son and spending quality time with family and friends.
It was Lana’s home that was her pride and joy. Lana spent countless hours tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She made sure that whomever came over, they were comfortable and felt welcomed. Lana relished planning events, from simple family gatherings, to holiday celebrations and especially her son’s wedding. In her spare time, Lana loved to bargain shop, collect giraffes and was the queen of coupons. She treasured all of her relationships but particularly the close friendships of Beth Brazier and Amber Corcoran.
Lana had an amazing personality. She loved helping others. Whoever needed her, she was there. She had an infectious smile and would light up any room, along with her hardy laugh. She was caring, respectful and always had special words of wisdom. She loved her relationships with her students, but her greatest passion was being a wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt and friend to many.
Forever loved and forever missed by husband of 26 years, Troy Beam; son, Todd Giem and family Leslie, Masyn and grandson, Jackson Lyle; son, Josh and wife Chanda Giem; sisters, Linda Hoppel, Lois Estrem, Lorna Gipp; many relatives and friends.
There to greet Lana home in heaven are her parents; brother, Lyle; brothers-in-law, Don Hoppel and Paul Estrem.
