Beverly “Bev” Arlene Meyer died on April 14, 2021, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at the age of 93.
Born on April 2, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bev was the middle child of Harold and Laura (Severson) Larson. She attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Prior to marriage, Bev was employed as a bookkeeper at Hawkeye Lumber in Cedar Rapids putting her talents of math and accounting to use.
Bev was introduced to her future husband, Milton Meyer, by her brother-in-law, Dick Baskerville. Dick was Milton’s college fraternity brother. They were married July 30, 1960, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, and enjoyed 56 years of marriage. She and Milton made their home on the lake in Lake View, Iowa, where they raised their daughters Julie, Deborah, and Cynthia.
Bev learned to play both the piano and violin in her youth. She often used her musical talents as a pianist at Wheatland Presbyterian Church where she was a member for many years. Teaching children in Vacation Bible School and Sunday School brought her great joy. She also enjoyed assisting with the local Brownie troop.
Bev had a love of gardening and enjoyed growing flowers and tending to her yard. She took pride in sewing clothes for her daughters including making little dresses for their Barbie dolls. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family. Animals were another great love as evidenced by ownership of many dogs and cats including a large St. Bernard.
Bev served as a long-time treasurer of UPW (United Presbyterian Women) at Wheatland Presbyterian Church. In addition, she worked at Loring Care Center in Sac City for many years as a nurse’s aide providing care for the residents.
Bev appreciated her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed visiting Scandinavian communities around Iowa and Minnesota. She also relished many trips to the Iowa State Fair and looked forward to finishing the day with a stop at the Wonder Bar booth. Bev was a devoted fan of Frank Sinatra and she and Milton enjoyed seeing him perform live in Omaha.
Bev and Milton enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels in Lake View. They also provided piano music and entertainment for residents of Black Hawk Life Care Center.
In 2007, Beverly and Milton moved to the Des Moines area to be closer to family. Bev was very proud of her grandchildren and spent many enjoyable hours watching them participate in music and sporting activities.
Following Milton’s death in 2017, Beverly lived with her daughters Deb and Julie and was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, a cat named Jelly Bean, and a beloved dog, Hudson.
Bev had a quiet gift of caregiving and was at her best when she could take care of anyone or anything in need. She was affectionately referred to as “Bubby” by her sister’s family and was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and sister-in-law. She will be greatly missed.
Beverly is survived by her daughters, Julie Meyer of Omaha, NE; Deb (Douglas) MacDougall of Shueyville, IA; and Cynthia (Robert) MacDougall of Waukee, IA; grandchildren Matthew (fiancée Dani Manna), James, Sarah, Grant, and Paul MacDougall; sister and brother-in-law Doris and Dick Baskerville, and eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Milton, parents Harold and Laura Larson, brother Hurley in early childhood, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ronald and Dena Meyer, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Duane and Marilyn Meyer.
Memorials will be set up in Beverly’s name at the discretion of the family and can be directed to ‘The Family of Beverly Meyer’ at 6926 North 143rd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68142.