Beverly Jean Anderson

MCFARLAND - Beverly Jean Anderson, age 83, of McFarland, beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend entered eternal rest at the age of 83 on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023. She was born on Sept. 11, 1940, in Dodgeville, Wis., the daughter of Paul and Elaine (Kellesvig) Leonard.

Bev met the love of her life, Tom Anderson, while at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and on March 31, 1962, they were married at The Little Brown Church in The Vale in Nashua, Iowa.

From early childhood, Bev wanted to be a teacher. Upon graduation she began teaching elementary school in Beaver Dam, Wis. Bev continued her passion of working with students after moving to Cottage Grove, Wis., where she was the assistant to the school secretary at Cottage Grove Elementary School. Bev found great joy interacting with the friendly teaching staff, with whom she kept in contact with. She enjoyed her time with the students on recess duty on the playground regardless of the seasonal weather conditions.

Bev was a very active member of Hope Lutheran Church McFarland, Wis. She was a 3-year-old Sunday School class Teacher, HLCW officer, was on the Prayer Chain, and sang in the annual church cantatas. Both Bev and Tom attended two National Youth Gathering events in Texas as chaperones with the high school Luther League class. She was a dedicated shepherd of the church and her faith. Her nightly tradition always included the reading of her Bible and devotions and saying the the family bedtime prayer.

When Bev was not in the classroom, working, or at church, she would spend as much time as possible digging, planting, and harvesting in her various gardens. She always took great joy in sharing the resulting bounty of fresh flowers and vegetables with family, friends, and neighbors.

Bev took immense pride in raising her three children. Always a hands-on Mom, she was a constant source of parenting, educating, helping, and laughing with her children. Bev never said no to helping her children with any of their “ideas.” From assisting Scott in changing out engines, Lisa in crafting creations to Lori in baking lemon bars, these are among the endless memories her children will forever hold in their hearts.

She was involved in the local 4-H chapter and took on a volunteer role as an adult 4-H leader for many years. She was always prepared to help with school field trips, and cheer while attending sporting events for Tom, her children, and grandchildren. Jokingly, it only took a few years for her to understand what, “good eye” meant while watching Lori play softball. A term she would later use watching her youngest granddaughter, Addison, play.

Being a grandmother to Lauren “Lulu” and Addison “Addi” was one of her greatest loves. Bev’s imagination and creativity were endless with her own storytelling, singing, crafts, baking and caring ways. Many days and nights were spent at, “The Ranch,” the name of the family home. From exploring the great outdoors at The Ranch by foot or golf cart, Bev was always by their side or sitting on her front porch overseeing her granddaughters’ explorations and shenanigans. Many giggles by all could be heard within the paths of the tucked in tree farm on the property. Always a lover of animals and nature, when the girls would bring in their findings, she would incorporate those into a story, draw pictures along with the story and display them in her home. Bev’s love of their fairy house creations will continue in tradition. Along with her special song she created between Lauren and herself. Truly one of the best Grandma’s that will forever be alongside Lauren and Addison as they continue to explore their path of life.

Bev was co-owner and employed at the family business, Leisure Features Incorporated, for 51 years which published snowmobile magazines and later produced expo shows including Snowmobile USA Show & Sale, ATV Plus, Golf Plus, All Baby Expo and Snowmobile Sneak Peek events nationwide.

Bev was also co-owner of the World Snowmobile HQ Museum and World Snowmobile Derby Complex located in Eagle River, Wis. Spending time snowmobiling and taking pontoon boat rides on the chain of lakes in the Northwoods was very dear to her heart. Their second home on Scattering Rice Lake served as the gathering place for many family retreats.

Bev enjoyed many memorable trips snowmobiling in Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, and Iceland. Her annual attendance at the International Snowmobile Congress events were always adventures she looked forward to.

Bev loved birds and could identify many by the markings on their wings and their beautiful songs. She spent many hours outside sitting among her flower gardens and under the trees using her handheld bird calling device that played recordings of bird calls. Time after time, as Bev would see or hear a bird singing outside near her, she would then select and play a recording of that species singing on her handheld device. Soon after that, a big smile would always appear on Bev’s face because the birds nearby her would answer her call back by singing their very own special song to her. Back and forth Bev and the birds would sing for hours.

Bev made sure daily that bird food was always available in the bird feeders and on the long deck railing tray which we commonly called “Bev’s Bird Buffet.” For the past five years the same family of sandhill cranes have also been returning to her backyard in McFarland, Wis. She lovingly named the parents Mork & Mindy and their children Nanu & Nanu. Deer and turkeys were also common visitors.    

Having animals near was very important to Bev. Over the years the Anderson Family pets included a raccoon, black Labrador dogs, rabbits, cats, a parakeet, goldfish, and a duck. The home was always open to any animal that needed care.

Bev was known for always having a camera in hand or asking Tom to capture the moment by taking a picture. In her thoughts, “If it is not on film, it didn’t happen!”

Bev was an avid watcher of shows on PBS and the Hallmark Channel. While watching many of the TV programs she enjoyed learning about animals and traveling all around the world.

The family wishes to extend our thanks to all the staff at Oakwood University Woods and Agrace HospiceCare for their attentive and compassionate care during Bev’s last days and for also creating comfortable surroundings for the family during Bev’s final days. It will be forever appreciated and remembered.

While Bev may no longer be with us physically, she will never be forgotten. Just like the beautiful perennial flowers that she once planted, that we lovingly call “Beverly’s Blooms” which continue to grow season after season. We will always have our treasured memories of Bev to cherish and share forever!

Bev is survived by her husband, Thomas; son, Scott (Sarah) Anderson; daughters, Lisa (John) Jenkins and Lori (Erik Koch) Anderson; beloved granddaughters, Lauren and Addison Wood; sister, Pam Anderson; and brothers, Rich Anderson, Ron Anderson, and Steve Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Elaine; and brother, Ray Leonard.

A celebration of life will be held at HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3702 County Highway AB, McFarland, at 12 noon on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, with the Rev. Beth Schultz-Byrnes presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the celebration of life on Friday. A luncheon at the church will follow the service.
 

In lieu of flowers, family encourages you to gift memorials to Hope Lutheran Church in Bev’s name or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420