Beverly J. Anderson, 81

Published 9:43 am Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Beverly J. Anderson, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, passed peacefully at her daughter’s home in East Bethel, Minnesota, on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016.

Beverly J. Anderson, 81

Bev’s family was the center of her life. Although she worked in various jobs throughout her life, her passions of gardening, dancing, and music were what defined her. She developed a love for music as a child, carrying her passion and talent throughout her life playing both the piano and cello. Bev was a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where she was active in the choir.

She was a lifetime member of the Austin Artist Series, always enjoying the performances provided. As a member of the Austin Cotillion Dance Group, she and her special longtime friend, Jim Fuller, loved to go to dances with music provided by everything from polka bands to big bands and full orchestras. Bev never missed an opportunity to spend time with her four daughters and their families, taking great pride in showing off her four grandsons and her one special granddaughter. When her grandkids began having children of their own, she was the ultimate Gigi to all of them. Bev spent her last year living in a loving, caring environment with her daughter and son-in-law, and was surrounded by those she loved. Her love, caring and compassion has touched many and will be missed greatly.

Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Harriett Reistad; beloved aunt, Mona Heusel; Patrick Simkins, lifetime partner of daughter Lisa; and former husband Richard E. Anderson.

She is survived by her daughters: Sharie (Steve) Lonning of East Bethel, Minnesota, Jill (Rick) Deyo of Hastings, Minnesota, Debbie (Mark) Johnson of Austin, and Lisa Anderson of Richfield, Minnesota; grandchildren: Josh (Carrie) Deyo, Matthew (Aric Babbit) Deyo, Brady (Meghan) Deyo, Christina (Jordan) Evenson, and Adam Johnson; great-grandchildren: Ellie and Emma Deyo, Gavin Deyo, and Huxley Evenson. She is also survived by longtime special friend Jim Fuller; and other beloved relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with the Rev. Karen Behling officiating. Visitation will take place Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and will continue on Saturday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at church. Private interment will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mona, Iowa. Memorials in Beverly’s memory may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church or Alzheimer’s Association. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.