Dorothy E. Van Beck

Dorothy Eunice Van Beck, 92, formerly of Alexandria, MN, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, at Lilac Homes in Moorhead, MN.

Dorothy Eunice Lien was born on August 20, 1932, in rural Volin, SD. Dorothy was the daughter of Ole J. and Grace (Husby) Lien and the youngest of seven children. She was baptized and confirmed at Trondheim Lutheran Church in rural Irene, SD. Dorothy graduated from Irene High School and then moved to Sioux Falls, SD, where she worked as Controller for Dugan Transport. She married Jack Van Beck, and to this union, two daughters and two sons were born.

In 1955, the family moved to Alexandria, MN, where they operated a resort with other family members. Dorothy was active in PTA and served as the Secretary for the Lady of Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. Dorothy worked for Holmes City Insurance and was employed by the United States Postal Service. Dorothy was appointed Postmaster for the Holmes City, MN Post Office, and then was promoted to Postmaster for the Brooten, MN Post Office. Dorothy also served Detail for the Glenwood, MN Post Office.

Jack and Dorothy moved to Brooten in 1979. Dorothy held several State Postal Offices, including the Minnesota State President of the League of Postmasters. In 1979, Dorothy was elected National Vice-President for the National League of Postmasters and served for six years. Dorothy traveled to all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and other Caribbean islands, Germany, Norway, Japan, South Korea, and beyond. Dorothy was honored with multiple awards at the state and national levels. Dorothy was honored by being appointed as National Chairman of the Robert’s Rules of Order Commission.

Dorothy retired in 2001 and moved back to Alexandria in 2009. She was even busier after retirement. Dorothy remained active in the American Legion Auxiliary and served as Secretary, Treasurer, and President. She loved traveling the world and visiting friends and family, still attended postmaster conventions, brought grandchildren to her favorite traveling spots, attended Bible studies, and helped on numerous church committees. Dorothy was the woman you wanted at your party, coming to the door with endless baked goods and a deep-seated love of cleaning. She loved time at the lake with her family and using her favorite phrases of “oh dear” and “oh, how awful.”

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Dr. Michelle (Rollie) Beach, Fargo, ND; son, Dr. Jerry (Connie) Van Beck, Eagan, MN; and daughter Linda Wigdahl, Vadnais Heights, MN. Six grandchildren survive Dorothy: Rolly Beach III, Daniel (Kim) Beach, Dr. Angela (Troy) Bagne, Laura Van Beck (Cory Franzmeier), Dr. Jenna Van Beck (James Droske), and Kellie Van Beck (Chris Mazur). Her legacy continues through her 12 great-grandchildren: Paige, Rolly, Sophia (Levi), Brenna, Joshua, ElleAnna, Ella, William, Nora, Zoey, Madison, and Carter. Dorothy is survived by her cherished older sister, Geraldine Jurisson, Phoenix, AZ; dear sister-in-law, Florence Kroll, Albany, CA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, husband Jack, son Robert, and great-grandson Daniel II.

A Memorial Service for Dorothy will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 24, 2025, with a visitation one hour before the service, at Living Word Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN. 

Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in rural Alexandria, MN.

Blessed be her memory.