Barbara Beckstrand

Barbara Beckstrand, 88, Finley, ND, died Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Edgewood Assisted Living, Fargo, ND

Barbara Ann Aasen was born on October 19, 1937, in Northwood, ND, the daughter of Charles and Luella (Broe) Aasen.  She grew up on her family’s farm near Aneta, ND, and graduated from Aneta High School in 1955.  She attended Mayville State Teachers College in Mayville, ND, where she received her two-year teaching degree.  She later went back to Mayville and received her bachelor’s degree in education.  Barb taught elementary school in Pillsbury, ND and Finley, ND.  Barb fondly spoke of her many students and fellow teachers.  She was united in marriage to Harley Braunberger June 23, 1957 at Aneta, ND. They had one daughter Julie Braunberger and a foster daughter Jane Lee.   In October 1975, her daughter Julie passed away suddenly, then in January 1976, just 2 ½ months later, her husband Harley died.  In April 1978, Barb again found joy as she married Rev. Floyd Beckstrand, and gained 6 children, 4 girls and 2 boys.  On October 14, 2007, Floyd passed away.  In June 2025, Barb moved to Edgewood Assisted Living.

Barb loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, having accepted Him into her life at a young age.  She was a Prayer Warrior that kept numerous journals of the many family and friends she prayed for.   She enjoyed reading the Bible, and had quoted scripture and sang a favorite hymn the night before she entered God’s presence.    Barb was an active member of Finley Assembly of God, having served in nearly every capacity in the church.  While married to Rev. Floyd, she was involved in pastoral ministry with him, having served at Trinity Bible College, Ellendale; Lakewood Park Bible Camp, Devils Lake; and at Finley where Rev. Floyd and Barb ministered together in his role as Pastor for 23 years.  She treasured the people in her life, and loved each one fiercely.

She is survived by her children Jane (Vern) Bjugstad, Jeanne (Gary) Anderson, Beverly (Rev. Leroy) Aufenkamp, Carol (Kent) Braunberger, Rev. Foster (Kelly) Beckstrand, and Joe (LeAnn) Beckstrand; 22 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.  Barb is also survived by her sister Connie Hanson, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leslie (Ginger) Braunberger, sisters-in-law Marion Braunberger and Gladys Jacobson; numerous nieces and nephews from the Aasen/Hanson, Braunberger and Beckstrand families.

Barb is preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Marianne and Ken Huber, her parents Charles & Luella, daughter Julie, first husband Harley, second husband Floyd, her daughter and son-in-law, Carmen and Kelepi Veikoso; also several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nephews from the Hanson, Braunberger and Beckstrand families.

Visitation: Friday, November 28, 2025, 5:30- 6:30pm with a Prayer Service at 6:30pm, West Funeral Home, 321 Sheyenne Street West Fargo, ND.

Funeral: Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 1:00pm in Finley Lutheran Church, 102 Lincoln Ave, Finley, ND.

Burial:   Finley (ND) Cemetery.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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