Beatrice "Bea" Mogensen
Beatrice "Bea" Jeanette Mogensen, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
She was born on January 11, 1932, in Janesville, WI, to Elmer and Mildred (Hanewold) Johnson.
Bea married Robert "Bob" George Mogensen on Sept 4, 1954, in Janesville.
After Bea graduated from Madison Business College, the couple resided in Appleton, Broadhead, and Janesville where she worked for Parker Pen.
Bea was a supportive wife to Bob's successful pharmacy career and together they owned Rockport Road Drug Store, RM Pharmacy, and Plaza Drugs in Janesville. Bea always considered herself a North Woods girl at heart, so in 1978, Bob and Bea moved to Land-O-Lakes in northern Wisconsin to the area they loved so dearly. After renovating the Moccasair Lodge, it was re-opened as a popular bed and breakfast where Bea was known for her delicious breakfasts and baked goods.
After several years, they relocated to South Twin Lake in the Phelps area. This backdrop provided many memories for the kids and grandkids with campfires, ice luges, fishing, water skiing and wonderful Christmases. Bea purchased an industrial sewing machine and used her talents as a seamstress to make canvas boat covers, awnings and handbags.
After moving off the lake to Woodruff, Bea sadly lost her soulmate Bob to cancer in 2008. She moved to Sun Prairie to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Bea's many interests included cooking, boating, sewing, sailing, traveling, fishing, creating detailed fish ink rubbings, ceramics and motherhood.
Bea embraced motherhood and taught her children how to laugh, learn from their mistakes, be self-sufficient and she never judged individual character. She knew how to make the most delicate lefsa or pie, sew 50 pounds of canvass and the proper way to clean a northern pike. Bea was a tough ol' Norwegian underneath, but a sharp dresser and beautiful wife that truly loved her husband, children,and the Northwoods. She will be forever missed.
Bea is survived by her brother, Russ (Avis) Johnson of Fort Atkinson; her children, Sarah (Bill) Spilman of Sun Prairie and Amy (Greg) Vigdal of Cottage Grove; two sons, Dan (Jennifer) of Sarasota, FL, and Joe (Donna) of Poynette. Grandma will be missed by her eight grandchildren and the newest addition, her great grandchild Jocelyn (Ashlee Vigdal and Jacob Riley).
Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and her sister, Eleanor (the late Charles C. Gray, III).
Visitation will be from 10-11:00 am on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a memorial service to begin at 11:00 am. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow the service. Memorials in honor of Bea are appreciated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com. Cress Funeral Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie, WI 53590 608-837-9054
