Beverly Joan NEILSEN

A longtime resident of the Almira-Wilbur area, Beverly (94) passed away peacefully May 2nd, in Wilbur, WA, with her children beside her. Born in Los Angeles, CA, November 13th, 1930, to Daniel and Edna Stine, Beverly and her brothers, Richard and Jack were raised in Worland, WY. After the death of her father, Beverly moved to Washington state with her mother and stepfather, Frank Kalisek, where she graduated from Almira High School in 1948. She married Leo "Casey" Neilsen November 14th of the same year. Together they raised four children.

Beverly worked alongside Casey through the years at the Neilsen brothers' Almira Builders Supply and then beginning in 1957, the family farm. Beverly could tackle any task asked of her. When she became her husband's number one wheat harvest truck driver, he found it necessary to wire 2 x 4 blocks on the clutch and brake pedals of the truck so she could reach them. She never complained through wheat harvest, countless bake sales, endless batches of kittens she would find homes, taking a load of kids to Wilbur for swimming lessons, chaperoning girl scout camping trips and senior sneaks, junior high and high school sports, or orchestrating a lavish affair. She enjoyed a fulfilling and meaningful life as wife, mother and steadfast supporter of her community.

Beverly was a 75-year member of Order of Eastern Star, Evening Star Chapter, where she served two terms as Worthy Matron, E. Karnak Nile, Almira Community Church and earned the Life Master Contract bridge player award in the year 2000. Beverly served on various community boards and participated in the building and development of the Almira Community Center. Beverly and Casey moved to Spokane, WA, after retirement and enjoyed traveling with friends, golfing, playing cards and spending winters in Palm Springs. After the death of her husband in 2011, she returned to the Almira-Wilbur area.

Beverly is survived by her children, Chris and Kate Neilsen, Debra and Cliff Steveson, and Karin Neilsen and Kim Neilsen; as well as her five grandsons; Brian and Kathy McKay, Kyle and Alison Steveson, Ben and Aimee McKay, Casey and Terri Neilsen, and Brett and Leha Neilsen; and 14 great-grandchildren, with another on the way! She was preceded in death by her father; mother; stepfather; brothers; and great-granddaughter.

Graveside services will be held 1:30, May 31st, at the Almira Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Almira Community Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Almira Cemetery Endowment Assoc. or Almira District 8 Fire Department.

The family would like to thank Andrea, Jeannie, and the entire group of caregivers at Vista Manor who unselfishly and passionately took care of our Mom.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Neilsen family. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport is caring for the family.