Beth L. Malmgren, 70, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of March 11, 2025, at her home in Columbia Heights.
 Beth was born in Litchfield on June 11, 1954, and grew up on the family farm, the second of three children of Donald and Marion Sederstrom. Beth’s early years were spent learning with two dozen neighbor kids in a one-room country schoolhouse near Beckville, one of the last such rural schools in Minnesota. Later, she excelled during her years in Litchfield Public Schools. Beth caught the fashion “bug” working part-time at Doffing’s Smart Wear in Litchfield as a teenager. She was thrilled to be chosen one of the Miss Litchfield candidates in 1972.
 After attending University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for a few years, she jumped at an opportunity in 1976 to begin a career in fashion and beauty in the ultra-competitive magazine world of New York City.
 Beth returned to Minneapolis several years later to establish a career as a realtor, eventually working for more than two decades for firms including Coldwell Banker. During those years, Beth also built her own business called Exceptional Staffing, to produce and cater special events for corporate and family clients.  Beth loved traveling; at a young age, she explored Sweden and Europe. Later, Beth visited her nephew Chris in New York City as well as summer trips to Paris and the south of France.
 Beth treasured her family’s Swedish and Finnish heritage and throughout her life, her caring spirit for family and friends was a light for many. She would sacrifice half a day just to bring her Aunt June a good lunch. The evening before she passed, Beth was shopping for groceries on behalf of several of her less mobile neighbors.
 The greatest loves of Beth’s life were her friends and her books – she thoroughly enjoyed reading and letting a story sweep her away. Burying herself in a book was also a great way to travel without the time and expense.
 Beth is preceded in death by her parents Donald and Marion Sederstrom, her grandparents and many beloved aunts and uncles. She is survived by her brother Noel (Cindy) Sederstrom of Portage, Mich.; her sister Leigh (Tim) Lillquist of Tower; nephew Chris (Sharon Monaghan) Sederstrom of Minneapolis; niece Nicolette (Jason) Whitney of Portage; nephew Donald (Katie) Quinn III of Edina; niece Maggie (Ricky) Escobar of Miami, Fla., along with four great-nephews. Cremation arrangements were made through Washburn-McReavy of Columbia Heights. The family is planning a private burial at Beckville Lutheran Cemetery near Litchfield.