Donna Beeter

Minot

Donna Mae Beeter, 77, was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Bruce, on March 3, 2025. She embarked on her final journey peacefully from her favorite recliner in her living room, surrounded by the cherished keepsakes of her home and heart.

A true and rare gem to so many, Donna was born on November 1, 1947, to Donald and Norma (Berg) Anderson. She had the special honor of sharing her birthday with her mother and was the eldest of four siblings–two distinctions she took immense pride in throughout her life.

She grew up on the family farmstead south of Ryder, where she spent her childhood. Donna attended Blue Hill School through the eighth grade and often reminisced with her children and grandchildren about walking miles to school–uphill both ways, in five feet of snow. Let’s not forget about the rides to school in the sleigh with the potbelly stove to keep them warm. She later graduated from Ryder High School in May 1965.

Following graduation, Donna moved to Minot to attend Minot Business College from 1965 to 1966. Soon after, she began her career at Anderson Equipment, where she met the love of her life, Bruce. The two were married on January 28, 1967, and together they built a family they treasured with all their hearts. Their love and dedication were poured into raising their five children–Bruce, Deanna, Lisa, Dawn, and Michael.

In 1978, the family moved from Surrey to their dream home–the beloved family farm in Norwich. This farm later became the home of their son Bruce Jr., who continues to take great pride in carrying on its legacy. After Bruce’s passing, Donna, Dawn, and Michael moved to Minot, where she remained until her passing.

Beyond their immediate family, Donna and Bruce nurtured another–a brotherhood of truck drivers who came under their guidance. What began as a simple scribble on the notepad in Bruce’s shirt pocket became the foundation of their trucking business, a dream realized through their determination and unwavering partnership.

In 1969, Beeter Trucking was founded, and Donna remained a driving force behind its success with her son Bruce Jr., keeping the business running until her passing with the help of all her children in some capacity along the way.

In addition to managing the family business, Donna also worked for Northern Livestock and Minot Livestock. She played a key role in helping her daughter, Dawn, pursue her dream of opening The Cow Palace Café at Minot Livestock, which they ran together alongside Grandma Doris. Later, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open the Steerhead Saloon in Surrey, where she built lifelong friendships and continued to enjoy the occasional ladies’ night out.

For nearly 40 years, Donna had the privilege of working alongside her closest friends at Rob’s Clerking & Sundsbak Auction–an experience that blended business with deep camaraderie. She also assisted with 4-H and worked in the ticket & treasury office at the North Dakota State Fair for over 30 years.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a role model to her children and grandchildren, not only in business but also in family traditions she has instilled in her family that will be carried on for years. She proudly held the titles of head Easter egg dyer, expert lefse maker, and cake donut connoisseur.

From serving as the designated driver for Friday night Saddle Club excursions with her eldest granddaughter to taking on the role of head park ranger during weekend camping trips, Donna truly did it all. She was the biggest cheerleader for all of her grandchildren, always showing up with steadfast support. And when it came to family, she was always there–whether it was after-school pick-up for the Everson crew or simply being a steady presence in their lives.

No words could ever truly capture the incredible woman Donna was. She was the absolute matriarch of our family–and of so many others. After the passing of their parents, she held her siblings close, remaining the unwavering foundation through every life event.

Family was everything to her, but she never defined it by blood alone. Donna had a remarkable way of bringing people into her heart, turning friends into family and ensuring no one ever felt

alone.

We find comfort in knowing how many lives were touched by her love, her warm hugs, and her unwavering friendship.

She was a treasured sister, a tender yet fearless mother, and the most magnificent “Gma.” She was the best of the best–an extraordinary woman in every way. Though our hearts ache knowing she is gone far too soon, we find peace in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, Bruce, and her best friend, Des. Life will never be the same without her, but one thing is certain: we are all better and stronger because of her.

Those Who Were So Privileged To Have Shared In Her Life Are:

Children: Bruce Jr. & Colleen Beeter (Norwich), Deanna & Mike Hansen (Black Hawk, SD), Lisa & Jamie Zietz (Coleharbor), Dawn & Brian Everson (Minot), Michael Beeter (Sawyer). Grandchildren: Konner Beeter, Kaleb Beeter, Matthew & Taron Flory, Kirsten & Duran Harris, Shelby Hansen, Wyatt & Serena Zietz, Jordan Zietz, Parker Everson, Preslie Everson, Paislee Everson, Quade Everson, Ryia Beeter, and Jacob Saunders. Great-Grandchildren: Averie, Oaklie, Reed, & River Zietz, and Ava & Aiden Harris. Siblings: Dale & Peggy Anderson, Shirley Vogel, and Tim & Cindy Anderson. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who meant the world to her, as well as her second sister and very special friend, Robin Voeller.

Donna Was Welcomed Into Heaven By:

Her husband, Bruce, her parents, Donald & Norma Anderson, and her beloved niece, Desiree Vogel. Also preceding her in death were Albert & Leonora Beeter, David Vogel, Janice & Leo Korgel, Jerry & Darlene Beeter, Ronald & Prue Beeter, and Lindsey Anderson.

Visitation: Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 3 to 5 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Funeral Service: Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10 am at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 7, 2025.