Beatrice Marie (Van Overbeke) Jerzak, age 75, of Ivanhoe, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Pipestone, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 9th, at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, MN, with Father Brendan Rolling officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8th from 5-7 p.m., followed by a Prayer Service at 7p.m. at St. John Cantius. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. John Cantius Cemetery in Wilno. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Beatrice (Bea) was born on September 2, 1951 in Marshall, MN, to Alphonse and Julia B. (Nuytten) Van Overbeke. She grew up on the family farm outside Marshall, known as “The Butterfly Farm.” Bea was baptized and confirmed at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. She attended Holy Redeemer School, graduated from Marshall High School in 1970, and completed her nursing training at Alexandria Vo-Tech. After becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, she worked at hospitals in the Twin Cities and later at Divine Providence Hospital in Ivanhoe. On December 1, 1979, Bea married William Jerzak at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Wilno, MN. They built their life together on a farm outside of Ivanhoe, raising 3 children. She raised chickens and sold eggs to neighbors and local stores. Once her children were older, Bea returned to part-time work at Divine Providence Nursing Home. She loved baking and feeding everyone that would eat, always trying new recipes and preparing delicious treats for family gatherings and holidays. Those that were lucky enough to know her cooking know how special it was. Her neighbors, family, and friends appreciated her generous hospitality and always knew when Bea had visited by the pan or container she left behind for them to enjoy. When she wasn’t cooking, Bea spent time in her garden and shared her produce and baked goods with anyone that would take it, especially the sweet corn her son Pat grew after he took over planting the patch. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and Ivanhoe Divine Providence Hospital Auxiliary, as well as many church groups. After retirement, Bea enjoyed traveling across the country in an RV with Bill to escape the cold for a few months each year. Bea found her greatest joy in spending time with loved ones and spoiling the family pets. She cherished her children and grandchildren, loved attending their activities and sporting events, and created special memories by reading to them and, of course, cooking them their favorite foods.
Beatrice is survived by her husband William Jerzak; children: Toni Jerzak, Patrick (Rebecca) Jerzak, and Benjamin (Kendra) Jerzak; grandchildren: Noah, Ruth, Stella and Roy Jerzak; Step-grandchildren: Kennedi, Keaton, Hadley, and Grayson Jurrens; siblings: Thomas (Alice) Van Overbeke, Susan (Wesley) Post, John (Pat) Van Overbeke, Joyce (Rev. Edward) Eppinger, Stephen (Pam) Van Overbeke, Nancy (Leigh) Ribble, and Mary Gislason; sisters-in-law: Cynthia Van Overbeke-Jolstad, and Susan Quade-Van Overbeke; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Alphonse and Julia; brothers: Brian Van Overbeke and Anthony Van Overbeke.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to St. John Cantius Catholic Church or to Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
