Dorothy was born February 5, 1924 in Manhattan, Kansas, to Harry and Helen (Walbridge) Carlson. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1942 and moved to Wichita to work at the Cessna Aircraft Factory as a riveter during WWII. Due to the nursing shortage and the government's offer of free tuition, she returned to Manhattan and enrolled as a Cadet in the Saint Mary's School of Nursing. After receiving her Registered Nursing degree in 1947, she was hired by Dr. Fay Garner for his private practice in Madison, NE.
She met Gerald Bean as a patient at the clinic and they were married on January 21, 1948 in Omaha. They moved from Madison to Fremont in 1958. She worked as a private duty nurse at the Dodge County Hospital and was supervising RN at Arbor Manor Nursing Home for 6 years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and active in Ladies Aid and Martha Circle. She was also a member of the Jessie Benton Fremont Chapter of the Izaak Walton League and served as president and treasurer for many years.
Dorothy was a beloved mother and grandmother figure in her home neighborhood in the Davenport Addition of West Fremont and participated in the lives of several generations of neighbors. She was a noted Birthday Card sender to family and friends near and far and was known for her Halloween popcorn balls, love of flowers, and, most of all, for her loving and generous spirit.
Survivors include daughter; Kathryn Bean, of Lincoln; son, Richard Bean and wife Diane of Southlake, TX; grandson, Ryan and wife Merrick Bean of Spring, TX; granddaughter, Laura Bean of Southlake, TX; great grandsons, Landry and Jett Bean, of Spring, TX; brother and sister-in-law, Jerome and Norma Jean Carlson of Tulsa, OK.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; son, Thomas; infant daughter, Sharon; brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Opal Carlson; and brother, Carl Carlson.
Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church and School.
Due to Covid concerns, a private family service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. The livestream of the service will begin at 11am and can be found on Trinity's website (https://trinityfremont.com/live-service/). Burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery. A public Celebration of Life will be held in 2021.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
To view a recording of the service either visit Trinity's website or copy the following link:
https://youtu.be/I-phz6Y7nBI
Condolences(11)
Thea Reust
Stillwater, OK Tuesday, December 8, 2020 The world lost one of the dearest, kindest souls when Dorothy went to Heaven.Even though she had her own family to care for, and lived in another state, she consistently reached out to me and my family over the years to care for us as well. And most of all, she loved children as if they were just as important as the adults (in the 60's this was unusual). My life was impacted in a powerful and positive way by my dear Aunt Dorothy. I look forward to seeing her again one day. I can just imagine her there now having a joyous reunion with others who preceded her. Thanks be to GOD for the life of Dorothy J Bean.
Mark, Donna and Jenny Turner
Omaha, NE Tuesday, December 1, 2020 A beautiful service for a beautiful lady. We have fond memories of visiting Dorothy and Gerald in Fremont. Always a gracious hostess.Gary David Carlson
St. Louis, MO Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Thank you for your patience and understanding in these difficult times. All our best to you and yours.Mary Jo Staib
Madison, NE Tuesday, December 1, 2020 So sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing. My family were good friends of her and your dad when they lived in Madison, NE. Leo and Ruth Reeves and my brother Mile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Mary Jo Staib
john ilgenfritz
helena, MT Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Kathy, Condolences on the passing of your mom. Words always seem so inadequate at such times. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.john
Alex Edwards & Family
Elkhorn, NE Sunday, November 29, 2020 I'm so sorry to hear of Dorothy's (Mrs. Bean to me and so many) passing. I think of her often and if it weren't for COVID, I would have loved to have visited her this year. She was a best friend growing up, bike riding partner, and so much more to me having grown up across the street. I appreciate the note in her obit about being such a part of Davenport neighborhood families. Dorothy and Gerald both taught me so much and put up with the pesky kid from across the street hanging around all the time. I cherish those memories and regret not having a chance to see her again and thank her again for all that she gave me. Dorothy and Gerald were wonderfully gracious and kind people.Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Sunday, November 29, 2020 My brother Jeff played baseball on the Volunteer Fire Department with Tommy Bean. Wow! He was a very good baseball player. Mrs. Bean, you are now at peace. I'm still not over Tommy's death. My brother Pud will be there with him. Respectfully-Gregg KupferStacy (Matya) Angus
Lake Havasu City, AZ Sunday, November 29, 2020 I’m so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. I am one of the many neighborhood children (lived right next door) whom she welcomed into her heart. I have many wonderful memories of working in the garden with her. She was such a kind and loving woman. I always cherished the cards and letters she sent over the years. What a wonderful life she lived. I will always remember my Dorothy Bean.Dorothy Skorupa
Lincoln, NE Saturday, November 28, 2020 Kathy, Rich and family- we are so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s death. When I think of Dorothy, I think of a perfect human being, or bean in her case 😊. She was sweet, calm , kind and always had a great smile on her face. She was the perfect hostess. I especially liked having two Dorothys in the room! Thinking of you and what a wonderful lady we have lost. Dorothy and Joe SkorupaJan Welch Johnson
Fremont, NE Thursday, November 26, 2020 I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy's death. It was my pleasure to meet Dorothy after my husband Dale Johnson and I were married. She was always so sweet and kind and welcoming. A true lady. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy's family.Rita & Paula Bean
Denver, CO Thursday, November 26, 2020 We will always remember our aunt, Dorothy, with deep fondness. We will always have good memories of her. Aunt Dorthy had a lot of love and kindness to share with family and friends. As ever to Kathy and Rich, from Rita and Paula