Beatrice J. Ford

Beatrice Joan Ford, 90, died Monday, March 02, 2015, at St. Francis Home, Fond du Lac, WI. She was born September 4, 1924, in Mayville, WI, the daughter of Gust and Cecelia Caine Behnke. She married Thomas W. Ford on August 17, 1946, at St. Mary’s Church in Mayville. He preceded her in death on July 6, 1999. Beatrice graduated from Mayville High School and attended Dodge County Normal School and Milwaukee State Teachers College. She graduated from Marian College (University) in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree. She also did post graduate work at UW Oshkosh and UW Milwaukee. Bea began her teaching career in 1944 teaching in Fond du Lac County Schools of Ash Grove, Byron, Lamartine, Franklin, Fourth Street and Elmwood Schools. Bea served as principal of Fourth Street and Elwood Schools in the 50’s and 60’s. In 1963, she began teaching at Bessie Allen Middle School in North Fond du Lac and retired in 1986 after teaching a total of 42 years. She held memberships in the National Education Association, Wisconsin Education Association, Fond du Lac Area Retired Educators Association, Delta Kappa Gamma and Daughters of Isabella Circle # 360. Beatrice was a member of Presentation of the BVM Church, North Fond du Lac for 70 years and a charter member of the Presentation School Parents Association. She also served on the financial committee and was the first president of the school band association.



Beatrice is survived by her son, DeWayne M. Ford, Aurora, CO; daughter, Holly A. Waldschmidt, Fond du Lac; five grandsons, Stephen John Ford, Centennial, CO, Shane Edward (Elizabeth) Ford, Aurora, CO, Clayton Thomas Ford, Aurora, CO, Ryan Ford (Sara) Waldschmidt, Waupun, WI, and Nicholas James Waldschmidt, Brown Deer, WI. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Gerald Ford, Ruskin, FL, and sisters-in-law, Patricia Ford, North Fond du Lac and Caroline Behnke, Horicon, and special nephew, Francis Baierl. She is also survived by Joyce Baierl and Goddaughter, Sara Baierl and many other nieces and nephews.



She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughter, Cheryl Ann Ford, son-in-law, James G. Waldschmidt, sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Joseph Baierl, brother, Donald Behnke, brother-in-law, John (Jack) Ford, sister-in-law, Ruth Ford and granddaughter-in-law, Elizabeth Sanabria-Ford.

Beatrice enjoyed traveling, reading, and working as a volunteer at St. Agnes Hospital. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and grandsons.



Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 9:30-11:15 A.M. at Presentation Church, 706 Minnesota Ave, North Fond du Lac, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30. Cremation has taken place. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.



The family thanks the staff of St. Francis Home for their care of Bea over the years and Agnesian Hospice for their kindness and skill in Mom’s final weeks. Also, thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Strong and Dr. Timothy Harper, DDS.



Memorials in Bea’s memory are appreciated to St. Mary’s Springs Academy, St. Francis Home, Agnesian Hospice, or a charity of your choice.



Additional information and guestbook can be found at www.ueckerwitt.com