BEVERLY HOCKEL

BEVERLY HOCKEL 12/03/1932 - 05/26/2025 Beverly Jean Hockel, 92, of St. James died on May 2, 2025, in Mesa, Ariz. Funeral service will be held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Odin on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 12 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Olaf Church Cemetery on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com. Bev was born on December 3, 1932, to Aron and Gladys (Nelson) VanOver in Yakima, Wash. She graduated from St. James High School in 1950. On October 13, 1951, she married Bernie Hockel. Together, they had three children. Bev attended beauty school in Fairmont. She and Bernie farmed their entire lives. Bev not only assisted with farm duties, but she also took care of the home, including cooking, baking, gardening, and caring for the children. She was a member of the Ladies Aide at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and participated in the Watonwan County Home Extension. In her early years, Bev enjoyed golfing, fishing, card club, and especially going out dancing with Bernie. It was said the couple would go out dancing two to three times per week! In 1974, Bev and Bernie started wintering in Arizona. This continued every winter for both their entire lives. In the summer, they would go camping whenever they had a chance. Following Bernie's death, Bev still enjoyed keeping busy with diamond point projects, embroidering towels, crocheting, playing cards, and especially playing bingo. She found joy in baking cookies and sweet treats to share with family and friends. Bev is survived by her children, Deb (Jerry) Krusemark and Connie (Guy) Risty; grandchildren, Scott (Melissa) Krusemark, Tony (Christy) Krusemark, Brad (Gina) Krusemark, Jennifer (Wayne) Kinneman, Sarah (Richard) Huffman, and John-Michael Kremmin; step-grandchildren, Tad (Kari) Risty and TJ Risty; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Madi, Maya, Emmy, Erin, Ellie, Will, and Annie Krusemark, Dalton (Katelin), Seth, Gabe, and Colten Kinneman, Max, Elivia, and Zack Huffman, and Jayde and Ashur Kremmin; step-great-grandchildren, Kohl, Brylee, Anson, Jon, and Addilynn Risty; and brother, Bob (Edna) VanOver. Bev was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bernie; son, Bradley; and step-great-grandson, Gullick Risty.