Beverly Zich

Beverly Zich, 77, of Eau Claire, died Thursday, September 10, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire. She was born in Eau Claire, on October 1, 1937, a daughter of Earl “Punk” and Delores “Pat” (Huse) Heimstadt. Beverly grew up living with a truck farming family. As a youngster, she helped with the field work, planting tomatoes, potatoes, corn and other popular garden vegetables and berries. Their most popular product was strawberries (from the Heimstadt Gardens). Beverly and her dad had a vegetable route which encompassed the west side of Eau Claire, from the Chippewa River to the West. They sold to some stores but their livelihood mostly consisted of selling door-to-door. Beverly’s dad “Punk” dished out the orders while she collected the money. They never got rich but they ate healthy. Beverly graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1955. Her first job was at Luther Hospital, working in the kitchen, Peters’ Meats, and then ending her working career at Uniroyal. As a splicer having high ethics and even higher standards, her builders had a tough time keeping up with her. Beverly bought Steve’s Alternator and Starter, managing it with her son, Jeff. After Bev’s retirement, Jeff continued running the shop. In 1976, Bev and Gale bought land on a lake near Trego on which they built a small log house, just big enough to sleep 10. They enjoyed spending the majority of their free time here as the location was excellent with 3 casinos within 40 miles, just in case some extra funds were needed to make the house payment or just to enjoy a day trip with Gale, or with friends, Val and Sharon, and the late Mary Kuhn. Beverly cooked like a chef, cooking enough to feed an Army, which was good since the “cabin” was also the location for all special events and holidays. Camping trailers and tents were a common sight. Beverly enjoyed being a giver and attending charity benefits. She also enjoyed touring the U.S.A. by motorcycle. Bev and Gale took two to four weeks in May every year for 22 years, touring all the mountain ranges from the Sierra Nevada to the Appalachians, riding through deserts and mountain snowstorms. Riding freeways wasn’t allowed. They enjoyed every precious (sometimes scary) minute! Beverly was also a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Beverly is survived by her husband, Gale; children, Jeff (Lori Jo Evenson), Rick (Carol Reynen) and LeAnn (Kent) Walbeck; grandchildren, Holly, Leah, Leonda, Annie, Blake, Jacob and Lillee; five great-grandchildren; step-children, Juanita, Cheryl (Art), Janel (Kyle); step-grandchildren, Kabir, Danielle, Sierra, Mandy, Aspen, Brent, Gage, Trystan and Alania; one step-great-grandson; sister, Sharon Heimstadt; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steven Heimstadt; and sister, Barbara Herrick. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to a local charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2015, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire, with Pastor Christine Emerson officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Oak Grove Cemetery

Eau Claire WI

Visitation

Thursday, September 17 2015
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703

Funeral Service

Thursday, September 17 2015
2:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services
814 First Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54703