Beverly D. Littmann

Beverly D. Littmann
Beverly, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed quietly on Friday, February 24, 2023, in Aurora, Colorado.
Born Beverly Dettman on April 4, 1925, to Herbert and Blanche Dettman of Milwaukee, Beverly lived her early years on Milwaukee's East side where Washington Park with its open land and the small zoo were her favorite spaces. It was here that she remembers fondly, swimming and roller skating with friends.
As a pre-teen Beverly worked with her father in the family bakery. She lovingly recounts the happiness of delivering fresh, warm baked goods and the joy she found in riding along with her father on his delivery van. The only downside was the embarrassment of showing up at a classmate's home early in the morning before she was prepared to be seen.
Beverly attended Washington High School where she was a well-loved classmate and bright student, excelling in English and composition. Her first job was with a custom corrugated box company; Hummel & Downing, where she worked in the business office. It was here that she met a young, driven salesman by the name of Russell Littmann. The two married on October 13, 1947. The young couple lived out of a lower flat with poor heating and they saved their pennies. Both continued at the box company and Russell took on a second job managing a cinema.
The young couple eventually purchased a large home on Milwaukee's 37th Street where they occupied the first level and rented out the upper flat. While living on 37th, Beverly gave birth to daughter, Christine and son, Douglas and the flat shrank. In 1957, Beverly and Russ saw a dream come to reality when they purchased what would be their last home on 6.5 acres in the western suburbs of Milwaukee in Brookfield.
The Brookfield property allowed Beverly to exercise renewed passion for the outdoors. With Russell now fully engaged as an insurance broker, Beverly could remain at home to flourish as a full time homemaker. Beverly loved gardening and helping to maintain the large lawn while also running a tight ship indoors. Beverly was Russell's silent partner in his home-based insurance brokerage. She was a ready resource for typing, editing correspondence and preparing policies for delivery.
In 1958, Beverly gave birth to son, Ronald and in 1960 she gave birth to daughter, Jennifer; and the family was complete.
Above all else, Beverly will be remembered for her devotion to her family. In addition to preparing three meals a day, she found time to continue helping support Russell's business, she sewed prom dresses, knitted mittens, served as a Girl Scout brownie leader, Cub Scout den mother, Sunday school teacher, poll worker for the local voting district, and provider of treats for the kids in their classrooms. Beverly stored the garden produce, canning and freezing much of it for off-season meals. In season she worked tirelessly with her little crew of four picking strawberries, raspberries, and wild blackberries. It was in these shared task times that she imparted a strong work ethic and her own deeply-held moral compass; mostly by example occasionally using words.
As the home nest emptied, Beverly returned to the outside world of work as a place to share her supportive nature. She worked at Boston Store in the accessories department for a stint, she returned to her family roots working in the bakery department of a large grocery chain before finally settling in as the scheduling assistant for a small medical group where she was much-appreciated for her professionalism. Despite her dedication to work she remained available to travel to see her children and their growing families. This was her joy.
Beverly and Russell remained in their Brookfield home until it became prudent to select an assisted living alternative which they did at Harbor Village in Greendale, Wisconsin. Russell passed on August 2, 2013, but Beverly remained, happily independent in a scaled down existence that she enjoyed after all the years of homesteading.
Following the death of son, Douglas in November of 2022, a decision was made for Beverly to relocate to Aurora, Colorado so that daughter, Jenny could be close at hand to monitor Beverly's growing needs. Beverly remained content to be surrounded by her things and she basked in the daily attention that Jenny showered on her. She was sweet-spirited and always managed a smile and a soft "thank you" for any little kindness right to the last.
As stated earlier, Beverly went "home" to her Savior, her husband and her devoted and loving son, Douglas on February 24, 2023, just a few weeks short of 98.
Beverly is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Blanche Dettman, her husband Russell, her brother Herb Jr. Dettman (Pat) of Milwaukee, her sister Barbara Cook (Kenneth) of Des Plaines, IL., and her son Douglas Littmann, of Hartland, WI. She is survived by her daughters Christine (David) Krings of Cincinnati, OH, Jennifer (Dennis) Radford-Stover of Aurora, CO and son, Ron Littmann of Fort Worth, TX. Beverly is also survived by ten grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held for Beverly at TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4435 N. Calhoun Rd. Brookfield, WI 53005 at 11:00 AM, on Friday, April 14, 2023. A Memorial Visitation will begin at 10;00 AM. Flowers may be sent to Church and Chapel Funeral Home at 1875 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, WI 53005.
Memorial gifts to should be directed to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.
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