Beatrice Kortenbusch

Beatrice E. "Bede" Kortenbusch, age 90, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 1 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Roger Thoennes officiating and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Legion of Mary, Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council, and St. Mary's Mission Society will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Monday evening.

Beatrice Elizabeth Zwack was born June 21, 1920 in Freeport to Frank and Agnes (Heine) Zwack. She was united in marriage to Lawrence Koch in June of 1945 in Freeport. He passed away in September of 1954. She married Albert Kortenbusch on June 11, 1957 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Bede was a loving mother and loved spending time with family especially, with her grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting, visiting with people, and playing cards. Her niece, Audrey and sister, Violetta would come once a week to play cards with her.

She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, Legion of Mary, Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council, and St. Mary's Mission Society.

She is survived by her son, Steven (Rita) Kortenbusch of Melrose; grandchildren, Bradley and Allison both at home; sister, Violetta Ramacher of Freeport; sister-in-law, Viola (Jim) Beutz of Freeport.

Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Lawrence Koch; second husband, Albert Kortenbusch on September 11, 1978; son, Mark Kortenbusch on August 15, 1984; brothers, Roman and Larry Zwack; sisters, Sally Elfering and Armella Wensman; brothers-in-law, Elmer Elfering, Ralph Wensman, and Gabe Ramacher; sisters-in-law, Ann Zwack and Mary Moening Zwack.

Serving as casket bearers will be Kenny Kortenbusch, Gary Ramacher, Tom Zwack, Tom Elfering, Tim Blaskowski, and Dan Carruth. Cross bearers will be Allison and Bradley Kortenbusch. Scripture bearer will be Sarah Nietfeld. Honorary bearers will be the Legion of Mary, Sts. Bernard & Elizabeth Council, and St. Mary's Mission Society.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.