A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Saint James at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 2, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. The family prefers memorials be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Beverly LaVonne was born to Bennie and Leona (Sundermeyer) Swenson on Sept. 23, 1933, near Jewell, Iowa.

Beverly began her education in Iowa, but then her family moved to Minn., and she attended country school north of Dunnell. Beverly graduated from Sherburn High School in 1951. Following graduation from high school, Beverly worked at Winzenburg Elevators in Fairmont, Minn. While working at Winzenburg, she met a handsome shy young man – Walter Thate.

Beverly married Walter on April 3, 1960, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. They lived and farmed by Fairmont from 1960 to 1968. In Dec. 1968, they moved to a farm north of Ormsby, Minn. Beverly and Walter had three children – Steven, Gail and Diane.

Bev was a quintessential farm wife supporting Walter in any way he asked, even if her size and strength were compromised. She drove a tractor, baled hay, helped with planting and harvesting, and fed pigs, chickens, ducks and a few cats/dogs along the way while maintaining a beautiful garden of mostly flowers but some vegetables as well. Following these busy days, she would still somehow have time to make three square meals daily, along with dessert for every meal, keep all of the laundry and house clean while ensuring Steven, Gail and Diane were all on track with their studies and activities. She loved attending sports activities and events. Even if her children were not involved, she loved to cheer on the local team.

Beverly was very active in her church, First Lutheran Church, St. James. She held many vital roles at the church, always eager to volunteer her time and talents. Beverly also helped with many events such as Ladies Aide, Circle, Christian Women, rummage sales, vacation bible school, and the bazaar. Flowers were also a passion of Beverly’s. She was active with the St. James Garden Club and loved touring gardens around the state as well as tending to her own gardens on the farm.

Family was important to Beverly. She insisted on hosting many family gatherings. In addition to the food prep, she was also the family photographer, always capturing those special moments we all look back on now to cherish.

Beverly was blessed with two grandchildren – Tyler (32) and Katie (28). They enjoyed time on the farm and the unconditional love Bev showed to them. In addition, she was blessed with three great-grandchildren – Chloe (four), Sydney (one) and Wren (nine months).

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her three children that she thought the world of, Steven, Gail and husband Tom, Diane and husband Dan, along with grandchildren, Tyler (wife, Ally), along with daughters Chloe and Sydney, and Katie (husband Austin), along with daughter Wren. In addition, Beverly leaves behind her three sisters, Lois Swenson, Joann Difiglio, and Elaine Swenson, along with extended family and many forever friends.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; parents, Bennie and Leona Swenson; brother, Richard and wife, Sandy; brother, Arnold and wife, Sharon; brother-in-law, Robert and wife, Shirley; and along with many extended family members.

The family prefers memorials be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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