Beverley June "Bev" Heinrich

1933 - 2025

Beverley June (Ablard) Heinrich, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Encore Assisted Living and Memory Care in North Branch, MN.

Beverley was born on July 8, 1933 in Dailey Township in Mille Lacs County, MN to Lawrence and Harriet (Mikkelson) Ablard. She spent her early years in the northern part of Minnesota where her father was employed building roads and logging. When Beverley was 5, the family moved to Mille Lacs County near Onamia where she would graduate from Onamia High School in 1951.

Beverley went on to attend the St. Cloud State Teacher's College where she received her teaching license in 1953. After a brief stint teaching at a country school, she was employed by the Rush City school district where she taught 5th and 6th grade full time in the 1950s and 60s. As her own children grew older, she stopped teaching full time but continued to substitute at the elementary school until the early 1980s.

She met Carl Heinrich early in her teaching career when she went roller skating with friends. They married on July 23, 1955 at the C. M. Alliance Church in Onamia, MN and settled into life together on Honeysuckle Farm near Rush City, MN.

They would go on to raise five children together on the farm. They also introduced farm life to visitors from across the United States (and even other countries) through farm vacations. Beverley's meals were especially popular with visitors as they featured her excellent baking skills and fresh produce from her garden.

Beverley was very active in her church community throughout her life - first at First Lutheran Church (where she was known for the beautiful banners she created) and later at St. John's Lutheran Church. Throughout her life, she was active in Bible studies, teaching Sunday School, visiting shut-ins, altar guild, and many other committees to enhance the fellowship of the congregation.

She was also an active member of the Chisago County Historical Society and the North Chisago Historical Society. She helped with everything from fundraising to creating displays to accessioning donations.

As hobbies, Beverley enjoyed all sorts of crafts, baking, gardening, and writing poetry. The family will miss her creative talents, the silly faces she would make, and her caring nature.

Beverley is survived by her children Diana (Robert) Sandberg of North Branch, Nathan (Mandy) Heinrich of Mackay, ID, Timothy (Connie) Heinrich of Rush City, Janet Swanson of Pease, Rachel Heinrich of Ely; grandchildren Dan Swanson of St. Cloud, Michael (Amanda) Sandberg of Portland, OR, Jason (Michelle) Swanson of Burnsville, Chris Sandberg of St. Paul, Justin (Natashia) Heinrich of Hertford, NC, Jennifer Swanson (Hodge Cherry) of Tampa, FL, Orion (Heather) Heinrich of Jenkins, Ciera Heinrich of Canyon, TX; and great-grandchildren Cedric Swanson, Lorelei Heinrich, Evelyn Swanson, Ellianna Swanson, Brecken Cherry, Calix Cherry, Adalyn Sandberg, and Hazen Cherry.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Harriet Ablard, husband Carl Heinrich, granddaughter Sarah Marie Swanson, and siblings LaVerne (Bob) Clark and George "Sonny" Ablard.

Rev. John Beck will officiate funeral services for Beverley: 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 6 at St. John's Lutheran Church of Rush City with a time of visitation and reviewal one hour prior to the service. Visitation and reviewal also planned from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday evening, November 5 at the Olson Chapel of Rush City. Interment will take place at First Lutheran Cemetery of Rush City.

Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, 980 W 4th St., Rush City, MN 55069.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel.

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com