Susanna R. Beldo

Susanna Rose Schmitz Beldo, age 84, of New York Mills, Minnesota died peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND on August 31, 2014. Born on May 9, 1930 in Perham, to John and Rose Schmitz, Sue grew up near Bluffton and Sebeka. The fourth of six children, she was never a stranger to hard work, yet there was never a complaint to be heard. From early on, summers were spent working for a local family farm for room and board, earning school supplies and a dress in exchange for a summers’ worth of labor. Sue graduated with the class of 1948 from Sebeka High School and from there went on to spend her time farming, raising children, and employment with the Frazee turkey plant. She continued her education with the Wadena Technical School, which lead to her employment as a secretary for New York Mills Public Schools. She retired in 1993 after nearly 30 years. It was a love for music, dancing and time with friends that lead to the true love of Sue’s life when at a local dance she met her husband, Clayton Clarence Beldo. Their marriage of 34 years began on January 9, 1951 and lead to 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. The couple made their first home on a farm north of Hillview where they resided until 1969. From there they moved to New York Mills, where they remained. In their free time, some of Sue and Clayton’s favorite activities included their morning coffee time, family gatherings, and Saturday evening card tournaments. After Clayton’s death in 1985, Sue focused her time on looking after her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for which she always had a place in her lap and a sweet treat in hiding from their parents view. A skilled and talented craftswoman, Sue’s many hobbies included woodworking, crocheting, gardening, reading, and her love for holding and rocking babies to no end. One of the strongest and most selfless people anyone could ever meet, Sue always had time and help to offer, a listening ear, and a strong hand to hold. Her witty sense of humor sometimes threw aback those who didn’t know her, only for those who did to catch the upturned corner of her lip and the sparkle in her eye. Genuine and loving, there was no doubt that anyone who knew her was truly blessed to have had the honor. Sue’s loving, inquisitive, and stubborn nature will live on through her family; brother, John (Jack) Schmitz; children Pat Beldo and Dave Redetzke, New York Mills, Nancy and Myron Swanberg, Eagle Bend, Carol and Greg Peterson, Sioux City, Iowa, Chuck and Deb Beldo, Sebeka; adoring grandchildren Lori, Luke, Breanna, Eric, Leif, Sean, Brenda, Jamie, Tracy and Andy; loving great-grandchildren Heather, Jennie, Seeley, Sidney, Kailei, Clayton, Makiah, Dayton, Colter, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Awaiting her in Heaven are her Husband, Clayton Beldo, parents, John and Rose Schmitz, siblings MaryAnn Kluenenberg, Janetta Limanen, Frances Horstmann, Frank (Ole) Schmitz, and several others whom she loved and missed dearly during her time here on earth. In celebration of Sue’s life, visitation will be held at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, Minnesota on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills, Minnesota on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Sebeka West Cemetery after the funeral service and luncheon. Because it would make her smile, please wear a splash of green to the funeral service if you are able.