Gretchen Berenice Beede

Gretchen B. Beede (Lowe), of Waconia, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, at the age of 90 years. Born on November 16, 1935, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Gretchen’s life was defined by her unwavering love for family, lifelong friendships, deep faith, and gentle spirit. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, David R. Beede, and together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. They built their home and raised their family in Golden Valley, Minnesota, before enjoying retirement on the shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka in Mound, Minnesota. In recent years, Gretchen moved to Waconia, Minnesota, to be closer to medical care and the loving support of family.

Gretchen and David were proud graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, following in the footsteps of both of her parents, go Badgers! She enjoyed a successful career with General Mills where she managed the Law Library as a paralegal. She also served as Treasurer for the General Mills Woman’s Investment Club.

Gretchen was a devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Mound, where she joyfully shared her musical talents as a member of the both the church choir and bell choir. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life.

Her fondest memories include downhill ski trips with family and friends and touring others on their boat around the many bays of Lake Minnetonka. She enjoyed countless rounds of golf at Burl Oaks Golf Club in Minnetrista. An accomplished golfer, Gretchen won numerous golf tournaments over the years, a testament to both her skill and competitive spirit.

For 14 winters, David and Gretchen escaped the cold for Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed time golfing and the warm weather. They followed her favorite sports teams closely and often gathered with friends and family to cheer them on.

Gretchen enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought people together. She was an avid bridge player and cherished the friendships she made through several bridge groups over the years. She was also an exceptionally talented seamstress who lovingly made and repaired clothing for family and friends, always happy to lend her skills whenever they were needed. For many years, she volunteered her time fitting uniforms for her grandchildren’s high school marching band, quietly serving her community in a way that reflected her generous heart and attention to detail.

Above all else, Gretchen treasured her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her beloved grandchildren, celebrating each of their accomplishments in academics, art, music, Boy Scouts and sports. She was their biggest fan and proudest supporter.

Family and friends will also fondly remember Gretchen for her fabulous homemade chocolate chip cookies. Her kitchen was rarely without a fresh batch. Baking huge batches of cookies to share with visitors or to ship off to her grandchildren in college, she delighted in making sure those she loved never went without one.

Gretchen’s legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and love. While her family will miss her deeply, she will be forever remembered. Those who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives will find comfort in knowing she is reunited with David and the many loved ones who went before her.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David R. Beede; father, Dr. John W. Lowe; mother, Mildred L. Lowe; father-in-law, Raymond W. Beede; mother-in-law, Margaret Beede; sisters, Barbara Dunlap (Howard), Janice Robertstad (Gordy), Phyllis Huestad (William). She is survived by her son, Dr. Scott D. Beede; daughter-in-law, Sharon J. Beede (Zimmerman); daughter, Christine M. Swee, esq.; son-in-law, Karl M. Swee; grandchildren, Dr. Colin K. Swee (Angela Gifford), Matthew S. Beede, Lauren G. Swee, Aaron C. Beede; brother-in-law, Donald B Beede, sister-in-law, Anita L Beede; as well as many other beloved relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements to follow. Please check back for updates.