Beatrice Elaine Schulenburg
May 12, 1942 – January 12, 2025

Beatrice Elaine Schulenburg, age 82, a resident of the Holmstad in Batavia, IL, entered the presence of her Savior on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Bea's life was a beautiful testament to her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and her joyful and tender heart that touched everyone who knew her.

Bea was born on May 12, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Arthur and Helen Elfstrom. She grew up on the South side of Chicago, first in the Grand Crossing neighborhood. She attended Hirsch High School for three years, and then when her family moved five miles further south, she transferred to Calumet High School.

After graduating from Calumet, Bea attended Moody Bible Institute, where her deep and lifelong Christian faith was nurtured. She worked as a secretary for the National Lutheran Council, a role that reflected her heart for ministry. It was through attending youth group with a friend at Beverly Emmauel Baptist Church that she met Gordon Schulenburg, the love of her life. They were married on November 24, 1962, soon after Gordon returned home from active duty with the Army Reserves.

Bea found great joy in being a devoted wife and a loving mother to their 5 children. She was a compassionate, tender, nurturing mom and grandma. Together, Bea and Gordon raised their family in Wheaton and St. Charles, IL, creating a home filled with love, faith, and laughter.

Her faith in Jesus was the foundation of Bea's life. She was deeply involved in her church and community, serving as a Sunday School and Bible study teacher. She volunteered at her children's schools serving as a lunch helper and starting prayer groups for moms. She was an active member of the Gideons Auxiliary, where she held the role of president and joyfully shared the message of her Savior with others. Bea's gift for hospitality was unmatched; her home was a gathering place where family, friends, and neighbors were welcomed with open arms, delicious meals, and heartfelt conversation.

A lover of God's creation, Bea delighted in gardening, birdwatching, and hiking in the woods. She was creative, artistic, intelligent, joyful, and wise. Her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her 5 children: Mark (Carol) Schulenburg of Wheaton, Randy (Lori) Schulenburg of Hampshire, Brian (Cyndi) Schulenburg of Eden Prairie, MN, Kevin (Melissa) Schulenburg of Geneva, and Jenny (Matt) Caterer of Aurora. She was a proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren: Kirsten (Keegan) Ovitt, Brittney (Chris) Dymski, Lindsey Schulenburg, Joy Schulenburg, Matthew (Brianna) Schulenburg, Breanna (Rad) Wakefield, Christopher (Samantha) Schulenburg, Jeremy Schulenburg, Zachary (Brenna) Schulenburg, Christina Schulenburg, Luke Schulenburg, Rebecca Schulenburg, Joshua Schulenburg, and Kylee Caterer. Bea also cherished her 11 great-grandchildren, with a 12th on the way. Additionally, she is survived by her beloved sister, Marlene (Larry) Pearson, and many extended family members.

Bea was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Gordon Schulenburg; her parents, Arthur and Helen Elfstrom; and her brother, Teddy Elfstrom. Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is reunited with them in the presence of her Savior.

A celebration of Bea's life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The service will be livestreamed through this link: Funeral Service for Bea Schulenburg . A private interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Gideons, an organization that was close to Bea's heart and reflected her passion for sharing God's Word.

To leave a message for the family or sign the guestbook, please visit hultgrenfh.com. For further information, call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.