Beth Hestetune

Ne’e Lilly Elizabeth Bloomquist

Loving wife, proud mom, special intergenerational extended family member and friend to many, Beth peacefully transitioned from earthly life and was welcomed into heaven on April 6, 2024 following a brave, but unsuccessful battle with COVID, compounded by complications. 

Born at home in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin on February 10, 1925, Beth was the fourth of Helmer and Bertha (Knoll) Bloomquist’s five children, all of whom pre-deceased her. 

After spending formative years growing up in Lake Nebagamon, she graduated from Superior Central High School and went on to graduate from junior college in Virginia, MN, where she was recruited by Drs Lenont and Peterson to serve as their private medical secretary. It was in Virginia she also met an up and coming mining engineer, Dan Hestetune on a blind date in 1951. It was love at first sight, and they married three years later.

After moving and living for a year in Alexandria, Virginia working as the secretary for the director of personnel for Capitol Airlines while Dan fulfilled military service at Fort Belvoir, Dan and Beth returned to Minnesota to be near family and Beth became a full time dedicated wife, mother, and highly productive domestic engineer. 

She was always intimately involved in her church, volunteered for many service organizations over the years, and was a loyal and dedicated lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for more than seventy years. Engaging in activities with her sorority sisters, whom she dearly loved, was an integral part of her life. 

Beth enjoyed living life to its fullest. She was a “fashionista,” never leaving home without a coordinating outfit, purse and shoes, and with her hair, nails and lipstick done to perfection - even at age 99. She was a gracious hostess, and loved to entertain, always setting a beautiful table and serving a special meal, following proper etiquette.

Beth is survived by her attentive, loving husband of 69 1/2 years, Dan, along with children Dana (Rick) Wahlberg of Duluth, and Bret of Virginia. In addition she leaves her “adopted” Russian daughter Katya Metcalf, and extra special long time friends Carmen Hartley and Rose Eicholz. She brought joy, inspiration and a renewed sense of wonder into the lives of many, including her bonus granddaughters Amara (Zak) Chesson, Nikki (Luke) Ibis, and great grandson Sajan Chesson, along with many extended family members and friends, breaking down barriers and forging bonds that go beyond age. 

A celebration of life service followed by a luncheon will be held on May 18, 2024 beginning at 11:00am in The Loft at The Pillars of Hermantown, 4110 Lavaque Rd., Hermantown, MN 55811. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hope Community Presbyterian Church, Virginia, MN or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Beth will be greatly missed and will be long remembered by many.