Victoria MN Newspaper-Beddors

Bea came to dance in competitions and glamorous ballrooms all over the United States and parts of the world including Greece, Siberia, Canada. Bea performed with professional dance partners while Bill continued with his running events.

“And then Bill surprised me one night,” said Bea, “when he came out and danced at a competitive event. He had taken lessons without my knowing it. And so that was fun, dancing together at competitions.”

Stated Bill, “We weren’t going to fancy tennis or golf clubs. We were dancing! A lot of people don’t do what they really want to do. We did. We went from the nitty-gritty of running to the nice hotels and clothes of dancing.”

Bea was reminded in particular of the nitty-gritty of their running marathon at Mount Everest in Nepal. “We slept every night in tents that were only so high, just a few inches above our face, and cold, and in the morning water would be dripping on us through the tent.”

Bea brought out several awards and recognitions that Bill earned from his many exotic marathons and ultra-marathons, including a silver belt buckle that he won from the 100-mile Western States Marathon run at Lake Tahoe. Runners finishing an ultra-marathon under 24 hours receive a silver belt buckle.

Said Bea, “I’ve got my things displayed all over the house. Bill keeps his in a drawer.”

One of Bill’s awards recognizes the Alcatraz Challenge, when he swam from Alcatraz to Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Another notes his 100-mile run at Squaw Valley, California. There are others.

And so the Beddors changed into fancy ballroom attire and traveled the rest of the world in dance competitions. Bill’s wardrobe was the black tuxedo and Bea’s gowns were colorful, elaborate, exquisite. Today those gowns occupy a special spot in their walk-in closet along with the color-coordinated satin heels. “I can’t get rid of them yet,” said the 87-year old mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

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Bea lost her original wedding ring long ago on a bike ride on Casamita Road. She also lost her second wedding ring -- “It looked like a cigar band” -- but now she sports a third wedding ring with glamorous diamonds. “Finally, I got a ring I’m worthy of,” said the woman who isn’t afraid of the truth. She knows that she participated in many of life’s major events and also raised ten children.

Daughter Cathy and husband Jim Robin, live on Lake Minnetonka. They have three children. Cathy works with American Mortgage and Equity Consultants. Jim is a Wayzata business attorney.

Son Brian and his wife Patrice (Pam) live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They have one son, Bob. Brian is part owner and in sales at Japs Olson. Pam is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Michigan.

Daughter Debbie and husband Bill Roth live in Eden Prairie. They have one daughter and two grandchildren. Debbie is part owner and in sales at Japs Olson. Bill is a retired police officer.

Son Michael and wife Diane live on Lake Minnetonka. They have three sons and three grandchildren. Michael is part owner and in sales at Japs Olson. Diane is a homemaker and volunteer.

Daughter Sandy Beddor lives in Colorado. She and her late husband Bruce have two sons and two grandchildren. Sandy is an International Consultant working with religious congregations.

Son Kevin and his wife Michelle live in Medina. They have five children. Kevin is part owner and in sales at Japs Olson. Michelle is a mother and homemaker.

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