Beverly Fern Elliott Klemke, 86, of Duluth, passed away April 14, 2021 at New Perspective Senior Living in Cloquet. She was born October 3, 1934 in Duluth MN to Tom and Martha Berntsen. Bev grew up on the family farm in Hermantown as the youngest of 12 children. She graduated from Hermantown High School in 1952.
In 1956, she married George Elliott, and they raised two daughters in a home filled with love, laughter and good family values. Bev decided to be a stay at home mom for many years playing with her kids, building forts, singing songs, swimming at Pike Lake or taking them to guitar and piano lessons to name a few. In her free time she took care of both sets of grandparents, drove for Meals on Wheels, enjoyed bowling, golfing, and anything outdoors. She also loved camping at Uncle Becks cabin, long walks, and ice skating with George. Bev was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church and it’s Ruths circle. After 38 years of marriage, sadly, George passed away.
In 1996 Bev married Loren Klemke. They spent many years together enjoying time with family and their dogs, Kodie and Molly, golfing, snowshoeing, hikes in the woods, and traveling in the United States and abroad.
Bev is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Ray, Walt, Vernon, Lester, Erling, Stanley, Eleanor and Delaine; and husbands, George Elliott and Loren Klemke.
Bev is survived by her children Shannon (Scot) Johnson, and Jane (Mike) Fest; grandchildren, Tim, Steve, Jennifer, Rachel and Brian; great-grandchildren, Elliot, Morgan, Isabelle, Scarlett and Harrison; sisters, Mae Westring and Joyce Jensen; brother, Floyd Berntsen; and many nieces and nephews. Bev is also survived by Loren’s children, Deb (Jerry) St. Marie, Mike (Terri) Klemke, and Dave Klemke; grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Her girls felt a deep love and appreciation for their mom, she truly was their “sunshine”. Mom lived her life well and was young at heart, always smiling, selfless, and kind. She never complained even when the situation didn’t have the ending she hoped, she’d say “I just have to make the best of it”. Mom left a feeling of love and friendship to all those she met.
We would like to thank New Perspective in Cloquet, especially Ross, Joanie, Jennifer, and the wonderful staff in Cottage 8, and the St. Croix Hospice staff for helping our mom die peacefully and with dignity. We can never thank you enough for the care, love and kindness you have given her.
Bev’s life will be celebrated on Friday, April 30th at Sunrise Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at 10am, followed by a service at 11am. After the service, an outdoor picnic lunch will be served. Please bring a chair if you can. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Duluth Animal Allies Humane Society.
All state mandated COVID-19 protocol will be followed; masks and 6 foot social distancing are required.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Beverly Fern Elliott Klemke, please visit our floral store.