Jean L. Beytien

PORTAGE  -- Jean L. Beytien, age 87, of Portage passed peacefully into Eternal life on Sunday, July 19, 2009 surrounded by her family at the Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital in Portage.

Jean was born on March 20, 1922 in Northfield, Minnesota the daughter of Minnie (Kusea) and Harold Grant. She attended of St. Olaf College and trained at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis to become a lab technician.  She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart Gene Beytien months before he enlisted to serve in World War II. Following his return they settled in Rapid City, South Dakota, where their children were born. They moved to Madison which became home to the family for many years.  They also spent time living in Minneapolis and Newtown Square, Pennsylvania before retiring to New Port Richey, Florida. They both enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, cooking for the gourmet club and entertaining. Jean also loved doing volunteer work at the hospital in New Port Richey. They enjoyed traveling to the famous golf courses around the world. In order to be closer to her family she moved to Portage. She became a familiar face around Portage. Jean continued to play bridge and made many friends during her eight years in Portage.  She will be remembered by all who knew her as a very loving and caring person.  She possessed a love for life and laughter along with the ability to see the positive in all situations. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends alike.

She is survived by her children, Tom (Collette) Beytien, Des Moines, Iowa, Greg (Debbie) Beytien, Boulder, Colorado, Lynn Beytien, St. Paul, Minnesota, Liz (Mark) Bellmore, Portage, and Diane (Don) MeLean, River Falls; grandchildren, Seth Beytien, Katie Williams, Kelsey Beytien, Megan Beytien, Molly Beytien, Kevin Handley, Tyler, Reid, Kelly Bellmore, Lisha and Jason McLean; great-grandchild, Brody Krysa;  a sister, Betty Bailey, Minneapolis, Minnesota; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Eugene Beytien in 1990.

Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009, at the Portage Presbyterian Church, with Rev. David Hankins officiating.  Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the services. 

The family would like to thank the staff at both Heritage House and Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital and Extended Care for the tender care Jean received in her final months of life.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions to Family Renewal Ministries Inc., a Beytien mission organization or to Portage Presbyterian church.                         

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family. www.pmmfh.com