MADISON - Beverly Mae Umphenour passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, in Madison, Wis.

Beverly was born October 20, 1936, in North Platte, Neb., the daughter of Kenneth and Lois (Stites) Johansen and sister of Gary Johansen. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1955. In 1958 she moved with her family to Arvada, Colo., when her father accepted a position with Rocky Flats/Dow Chemical.

In Arvada she worked as a bookkeeper at Craig Chevrolet, where she met Bennie “Joe” Umphenour, a car painter in the dealership’s service shop. Joe proposed on her birthday in 1964, and they were married March 20, 1965. They shared a loving partnership for 45 years until Joe’s passing in 2010.

Beverly later worked as a bookkeeper at the Denver Merchandise Mart from 1999 until her retirement in 2005 and continued to help part-time during large shows.

An avid traveler and photographer, Beverly and Joe traveled the country during his years as president of the National Nomad Club (1972-1988), making lifelong friends and documenting their adventures in slideshows. Beverly treasured film photography and later embraced digital cameras. One of her favorite journeys was a trip to Japan in 1970. She also visited the Pacific Northwest, New York City, Hawaii, Disney World, and returned to North Platte for her 60th high school reunion in 2015.

As charter and active member of King of Glory Lutheran Church in Arvada, she became especially close to Pastor Thomas Guinn and later, Pastor Dena Williams. Beverly served in the Eucharistic and Care Ministry, visiting nursing homes and hospitals providing support to community members. She was also active in Sunday school and Bible study and especially enjoyed the children’s activities and services. For over 10 years, Beverly also volunteered at the church for the 9Health Fair taking heights and weights for those who came in for free health evaluations. She advertised it every year on her Facebook page, encouraging people to come in for free health care. After moving to Madison in 2017, she joined West Middleton Lutheran Church, where she formed close friendships, including Lorelle Micklitz and Pastor Connie Matye.

Beverly loved animals, and was particularly fond of her dogs Keisha, a Keeshond and Elka, her Elkhound. In 2011 Beverly adopted a kitten named Chevy, who remained her devoted companion for 15 years. She also loved music, often having it playing while she worked in the yard or around the house. Beverly and Joe had a 1950s era juke box in their home, which had original 45s. You could often hear the music playing down the block when she would “fire up the juke!”.

Beverly is survived by her close friends in Madison and Arvada and will be deeply missed.

Beverly will be interred at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colo., and a celebration of her life will be held in Arvada at a later date. A celebration of life will be held at WEST MIDDLETON LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3763 Pioneer Road, Verona, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter in celebration of Beverly’s love of animals. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Beverly Mae Umphenour

October 20, 1936 - April 21, 2026

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