JoAnne Schollmeier

JoAnne Paula (Walski) Schollmeier, formerly of Blue Earth, and current resident of Atwater and Mesa, Arizona, died unexpectedly on October 6, 2023 at the age of 72. A time for visitation will be from 2-4pm Saturday October 21 at Patton Funeral Home. A private burial will be at Riverside Cemetery.

JoAnne Walski was born on October 11, 1950, to Eva and Lorin (Scrudge) Walski in Winona, Minnesota. She fondly remembered summers at the family cottage along the Mississippi River, adventures in her east end neighborhood, and playing clarinet in the Winona High School band, from where she graduated in 1968. 

JoAnne married Paul Schollmeier on September 14, 1974. She proudly worked for Northwest Airlines until she and Paul welcomed their first child, Betsy, in October 1978. Shortly thereafter, Paul’s medical practice brought the young family to Blue Earth, Minnesota. The family quickly made strong ties in Blue Earth and proceeded to raise Betsy and John, who was born in July 1981, in the community. JoAnne loved her work as a travel agent at All Continents Travel, which only enhanced her passion for travel. She volunteered for every school event, attended every one of her kids’ sporting events, and particularly loved tennis season. JoAnne cared for Paul throughout an extended bout with cancer, a battle which he lost in 1997.

JoAnne had the good fortune to find a second partner in life, marrying Kevin Beekman on May 25, 2001. JoAnne and Kevin made their home outside of Atwater, Minnesota on Diamond Lake. In recent years, the two also officially became snowbirds, fleeing to Mesa, Arizona for the winters. JoAnne enjoyed her retired years watching reality television, thrifting, and most importantly to her, staying on top of her five grandchildren. She lived life to the fullest, traveling with her Wine Ladies, taking “trips of a lifetime” with Kevin and their good friends, and maintaining the best relationships with friends, both old and new. While her death comes as a tragic shock, it also serves as the best reminder to do what she did - take the trip, buy the “perfect purse,” and give the ones you love an extra long hug.

JoAnne is survived by her husband, Kevin Beekman; daughter, Betsy Schollmeier (Christian Lamot); son, John Schollmeier (Gretchen); step-son, Darrin Beekman (Kathy); brother, John Walski (Martha); grandchildren, Stasiu Lamot (10), Isley (8) and Emery (3) Schollmeier; and Noah (6) and Sabrina (11 mos) Beekman; and mother in-law, Alice Beekman. JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; parents, Eva and Lorin Walski; mother and father in-law, Melvin and Juanda Schollmeier; and father in-law, Lawrence Beekman.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of JoAnne’s volunteer work with the Faribault County Food Shelf, memorials to them would be appreciated. 411 ½ S. Grove St. Blue Earth, MN 56013.