Beverly Kay Fesenmeyer

Beverly Kay Fesenmeyer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Sun Valley Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Harlingen, Texas. She was 85 years old.

Born on Friday, October 13, 1939, in Casey, Illinois, Beverly was the youngest of three children to Reverend Grover Ernest McDaniel and Helen Lucille (Gardner) McDaniel. Despite her birthdate, Beverly always considered herself lucky-not unlucky-a perspective that characterized her joyful and optimistic approach to life.

As the daughter of a Baptist minister, Beverly's early years were spent moving with her family across Illinois, Kansas, and Iowa, wherever her father's ministry led. The McDaniels eventually settled in Clarinda, Iowa, where Beverly graduated from Clarinda High School in 1957.

On December 12, 1957, she married Jerry Paul Fesenmeyer. At the time, Jerry was serving in the U.S. Air Force at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. The young couple began their life together in a humble Quonset hut and welcomed their first two sons, Dennis and Ron, during their time in Rapid City. After Jerry completed his service, the family returned to Clarinda, where their family grew to include Don, John, and Jerry Jr.-five sons born between 1958 and 1964.

In 1969, seeking new adventures, Beverly and Jerry moved their growing family to Colorado. There, Beverly worked for Safeway and proudly retired after 25 years of dedicated service. In 1991, they embraced another new chapter by moving to South Texas, where Beverly continued to contribute to her community-working with local small businesses and serving as music director at the First Baptist Church of Arroyo City.

Beverly was a woman of many talents and passions. A gifted musician, she played both the piano and accordion and shared her love of music with her family, friends and church. She was also a skilled craftswoman, known for her handmade afghans lovingly created for her children and grandchildren's milestones. Her kitchen was always filled with sweet treats. Family gatherings such as birthday parties, hayrides and weenie roasts by the river, were often organized by Beverly and immensely enjoyed by her family.

Above all, Beverly lived to bring joy to others. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. One grandchild called her "the perfect grandma"-a sentiment shared by many.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers Bob & Rich, and her beloved son, John. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Jerry; her sons Dennis (Julie), Ron (Debbie), Don (Heidi), and Jerry (Debbie); nine grandchildren-Brion, Brandon, Heather, Aaron, Alex, Haley, Haden, Heath, and Sydney-and twelve great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Beverly's life will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Arroyo City with a light lunch to follow. The service will be officiated by her grandson, Pastor Aaron Fesenmeyer of York Evangelical Free Church in York, Nebraska. The eulogy will be delivered by retired Pastor Robert White. Beverly's final resting place will be alongside her son John.