Joleen “Jo” Beckman, age 47, of Fosston, MN, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.
Joleen Lyn was born on December 13, 1977, to Paul and Christina (Agnew) Simon at the Mahnomen Hospital. She grew up in Mahnomen alongside her brother, Adam, and attended Mahnomen High School. As a young woman, Jo began working as a waitress at the Red Apple Café, where she continued to serve customers with a friendly smile even after graduating with the Class of 1996. In April of 1999, Joleen was united in marriage to Dan Beckman. After a few challenging years they later divorced in 2003. For the past twenty years, Joleen courageously battled cancer. She faced every challenge with resilience, strength, and an unwavering smile. Her positive spirit, marked by a twinkle in her eye and her trademark sense of humor, never faded. Jo adored her family, especially her niece and nephews, and treasured time spent with them. She also enjoyed the company of her many friends and housemates, always ready to joke, laugh, and share in life’s simple moments. Joleen loved watching game shows, playing board games, scratching lottery tickets, and trying her luck at the casino. She found peace in fishing and spending time in the woods, where she could enjoy the quiet beauty of nature. Above all, Jo was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan who never lost hope in her team. Her loyalty was a reflection of her own perseverance and heart. Though her body grew tired, the love, joy, and strength she shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Jo is survived by her parents, Chris and Paul Simon of Mahnomen; her brother, Adam (Angie) Simon; nephews, Wyatt and Dawson; and niece, Khloe, all of Audubon, MN; her grandma, Carol Agnew; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Cameron Agnew, Jeannette Spooner, and Art & Mary Ann Simon; and two aunts: Ann Simon and Mary Jansen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen. A Time of Gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. As a tribute to Jo’s favorite things, her family asked that you wear purple or Vikings attire to the service.
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