"Beverly?s husband Dale introduced my parents to each other and was best man at their wedding. I have known Beverly literally all of my life. Her oldest daughter Dalene was in my class in school. I have always thought of Beverly as a second mother. I will miss her here on Earth, but I am glad she is now Home. "
In loving memory of
Beverly Christensen
December 13, 1935 - August 3, 2021
Beverly Joan Christensen (Espeland) passed away on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 85 years old with the surrounding love of her daughters.
For friends and family in the Chariton, Iowa area a Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021 starting at 1:00 p.m. with a luncheon being served first followed by the Celebration of Life. Church services are optional which will start at 10:30 a.m. prior to the luncheon and Celebration of Life service. Location: Chariton Community Center 915 Osage Ave. Chariton, Iowa 50049.
For friends and family in the Des Moines, Iowa area a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with snacks and drinks being served after the service. Location: Soteria Church 3250 Soteria Ave. West Des Moines, Iowa 50265.
Beverly was born on December 13, 1935 in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Howard Silas Espeland and LeVeda June (Rifen).
Music was important to Beverly, a love beginning at the age of seven when her parents bought her a piano. She could hear the music and amazingly play it by ear! Music permeated her life and by the age 10 years old she played in her dad's band, "The Melodees", in the late 40's and early 50's. In her later years she played at the Nazarene Church in Chariton, Iowa.
Her parents moved to Atlantic, Iowa and owned a small grocery store where she helped with the family business. Beverly graduated from high school in 1953 and then began training to become a nurse at the University of Nebraska at Jennie Edmundson in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was unable to finish college due to family obligations, but she always carried with her an interest in nursing and medicine.
Beverly married Dale Arnold Christensen on August 8, 1954. Together they had four daughters: Dalene, Julene, Charlene and Marcalene.
Beverly enjoyed being on the farm outside of Harlan, Iowa and helping Dale with the Windy Knoll Dairy business. Years later they started a trucking business and worked together for over thirty years. In the mid 70's she and Dale moved to a farm by Chariton, Iowa where they raised pigs, horses and farmed along with the trucking business.
Beverly is survived by her daughters, Dalene (Bob) Norgaard of Ankeny, Iowa, Charlene (Daniel) Butler of Litchfield Park, Arizona and Marcalene (Todd) Davis of Carlisle; sister-in-law, Helen Espeland of Nebraska; 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Howard and LeVeda; husband, Dale; daughter, Julene; and brother, Paul.
Bev took great delight in flowers, birds, beautiful sunsets, and the beauty of nature. She will be remembered for her love of God, her love for her family and friends and her vibrant, outgoing personality.
Cards can be sent to: Marcy Davis 3698 170th Ave. Carlisle, Iowa 50047
Tributes
"Her husband Dale introduced my parents to each other and was best man at their wedding. I have known her literally all of my life. Her oldest daughter Dalene was in my class in school. I have always thought of Beverly as a second mother. I will miss her here on Earth, but I am glad she is now Home. "
"I miss her so much I knew her since I was little her and sherly best friend we was like family Cindy luttrell"
"Have known Bev since I was a little kid. I could always count on her honking the horn every time she drove by with a big wave! Rest peaceful neighbor. Jansen"
"She really was loved and I enjoyed our phone call and she be missed with our love to "