Beatrice "Bea" Iona Wede

Beatrice “Bea” Iona Wede, age 97, of Peterson, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at The Heritage at Sterling Ridge in Omaha, Nebraska. In accordance with Bea’s wishes, her body has been donated to Creighton University. A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer, Iowa. 

Beatrice Iona Albers was born on May 31, 1928, in Primghar, Iowa, to Jesse and Melva (Blaue) Albers. She was raised on a farm in Highland Township, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide her throughout her life. Bea graduated as valedictorian of the Gaza High School Class of 1945. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Wede, on June 14, 1945, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. 

Together, Bea and Bob farmed, raising cattle and horses and building a life side by side for more than 50 years before retiring to their home in Peterson, Iowa. They shared a strong work ethic and a deep love for their friends and community, spending countless Septembers working at the Clay County Fair where Bea served in a variety of roles over the years and later especially enjoyed her time working in the Volunteer Booth. Together, they were proud to help establish the Iowa–Minnesota Chuckwagon Racing Association and remained actively involved. Bea also enjoyed working two days a week in the office at the Spencer Livestock Auction, while Bob worked the cattle—a routine that reflected their lifelong partnership. 

Bea was known for her remarkable green thumb and took great pride in her beautiful flower gardens, which were a reflection of the care she gave to everything she loved. A deeply faithful Christian woman, she attended Mass daily and was a devoted member of her prayer group—never arriving without her homemade muffins, which she shared as freely as her kindness. Bea and Bob also enjoyed traveling, especially wintering in Laughlin, Nevada, where they formed lasting friendships with fellow snowbirds. Bea and Bob also enjoyed spending time at their lake home in East Okoboji, where they created many cherished memories with family. Their grandchildren fondly remember mornings spent going out for breakfast at O’Farrell’s and lively gin tournaments that filled the house with laughter. 

Giving back was an important part of Bea’s life. She volunteered countless hours helping others and was honored at the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Dinner for her service at The Garage in Milford, Iowa. 

Bea will be remembered for her strong faith, warm smile, gentle spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. She found joy in simple things—helping others, caring for her home and gardens, and spending time with those she loved. 

Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law: Andrew and Maureen (Dirksen) Wede of Grand Island, Nebraska; Ronald and Betsy (Davis) Wede of Purcellville, Virginia; and Richard and Carol (Teeter) Wede of Perry, Iowa; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Jim Schumacher of Omaha, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Melva (Blaue) Albers; her parents-in-law, Chris and Viola (Noethe) Wede; her beloved husband, Robert; her infant son, Thomas; her son, Douglas; her brother, Darlo Albers; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Clarence and Shirley (Toft) Wede, Donald Plagman, and Darrold Tatman. 

*In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School in Spencer, Iowa, or to the donor’s favorite charity in her memory.