Beverly Ilene Reimer, 96, of Elkader, died peacefully Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born on June 14, 1926, to Philmen and Ida (Torkelson) Larson on a farm near Elgin, Iowa.
Beverly graduated from Elgin High School in 1944. Following graduation, she lived in Waterloo for a short time and was employed at the Rath Packing Company. She then moved back to the Clayton County area, working as a telephone operator in the Elkader office of Northwestern Bell. She loved attending the “telephone girls” reunions over the years. Later, at Central Community School, she became the favorite lunch lady for her children, grandchildren and many other students. Beverly was a devoted member of Peace United Church of Christ.
On September 4, 1948, she married Orlan Reimer at The Little Brown Church in Nashua. Three children were born to this union; Randa, John and James.
Orlan and Beverly raised their family on Oak Avenue, living in the house they built next to his parents’ home. All three of their children eventually built their own homes on that same street, so she was able to watch her grandchildren as they grew up. Grandma Beverly could always be depended upon for cuddling on sick days home from school, rides to the swimming pool on hot summer days, swinging under the shade tree, sleep-overs, “fritters” for lunch, lefse making and just about any kind of treat or cookie imaginable…a lot of memories were made on Oak Avenue! Beverly took pride in her home and caring for her family. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking and puzzles, but her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and the “greats”.
She is survived by her sons, John Reimer and James (Jeanice) Reimer; son-in-law, Jack Niewoehner; grandchildren, Adam Niewoehner, Kari (Colton) Whittle, Ryan (Chelsi) Reimer, Christopher (Jamie) Reimer, Nicholas (Dusti) Reimer, Andrea (Gabe) Zittergruen, Sara (Corey) Koehn and Ashley Reimer; great-grandchildren, Atticus Whittle, Lexi Reimer, Henry, George and Louis Reimer, Wesley, Bo and Gus Reimer, Vaughn, Tyce and Cade Zittergruen and Griffin, Mason and Dylan Koehn.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orlan Reimer; daughter, Randa Niewoehner. Private graveside services will be held at the Eastside Cemetery at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.