Beverly A. Christensen

Among the many things that brought Beverly Christensen joy, nothing warmed her heart as much as family. A loving wife, devoted mother and dedicated grandmother, she was a fine example of all a good wife and wonderful mother should be. Sadly missed, she will be fondly remembered in the hearts of many. While the nation struggled through the worst year during the Great Depression, the year 1933 saw an unprecedented, U.S. jobless rate of over 15 million. At the same time, great strides were being made in the culture of America as Radio City Music Hall opened and The Ranger, the first U.S. aircraft carrier, was launched. FDR held his first Fireside Chat to boost the spirits of Americans while motion picture shows served as a welcome deviation from hard economic times. In the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan, Albert and Beulah Arlene (Moore) Bloomquist found much to divert their attention when they celebrated the birth of their only child, Beverly, born on October 7, 1933. The Bloomquist family made their home in Grand Haven on Mercury Drive and Robbins Road. Her father worked in purchasing at Brunswick Corporation while her mother, a seamstress, was employed at Kidde Cover. Despite the ongoing economic times, the nation struggled out of the Depression and Beverly experienced an enjoyable childhood. As a family they made frequent trips to Chicago to visit her Grandma Coby, Julius, and Aunt Mary Green. She received her early education at Peach Plains Elementary School where she shared the friendships of many. Outgoing and friendly, she often stayed with her Aunt Lillian and there met her longtime friends, Lois and Agnes. She later befriended Delores and Marion at school. They all paled around together, and at times were nearly inseparable. Beverly's high school years were filled with fun and exciting times. She began working as a secretary at City Hall in Grand Haven, and it proved to be a position that served her well in later years, as well. As was the thing to do during the winter back then, Beverly and her friends glammed it up and headed out to Duncan Woods to pose for pictures in the snow, clad only in their swimsuits! Her days at Grand Haven High School were fun-loving times for Beverly before graduating with the Class of 1951. With her good friends, Beverly often frequented the Dee Lite Restaurant, the popular place to go for young people, in downtown Grand Haven. One time, a handsome young man named Alvin Christensen graciously opened the door for her, and Beverly's heart was forever changed. It was love at first sight, and with mutual attraction, they soon began dating. They fell deeply in love, and three months later were happily married on July 18, 1952 at the Methodist church in Grand Haven before a congregation of family and friends. That day went on to mark the beginning of over 59 years by one another's side. Beverly soon became the loving mother of three wonderful children. Debbie Kay came along in 1953, followed by their son, Michael Ray in 1956. Cynthia completed their family in 1957, and Beverly could not have been happier. Attentive, loving and dedicated, she was the best mother in the eyes of her children. She made a good home for her family at 1424 Colfax in Grand Haven where memorable times were shared. As a family they faithfully attended church where Beverly served as a Sunday school teacher when her children were young. Some of the great family activities her family shared included camping at Sand Lake and trips to their cabin in Manistee. A trip to Montana proved to be a fun time and she later enjoyed camping with her beloved grandchildren. As devoted grandparents, Beverly and Al loved their grandkids and spent numerous times with them, especially attending their many sporting events, just as they had for their own children. Part of their family as well, their pets played a significant role in their hearts, too. Gigi, their French poodle and Penny, their cocker spaniel were well loved members of the family. Along with raising her family, Beverly continued to work at the Grand Haven City Hall and did so for a total of 28 years. She eventually took on the position of Deputy City Clerk for 13 of those years before retiring in November of 1979. With their children grown with families of their own, eventually Beverly and Al moved up north to Manistee. Although retired, she went on to attend Michigan State University where she received her insurance agent license, and for a time worked as a nurses aide at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility. Always compassionate and caring, she found joy caring for others. Together she and her husband enjoyed spending the colder months of winter in Texas in their fifth wheel. They made plenty of friends and kept busy, but were always eager to return home to be with family. As health issues began getting the best of Beverly, it was soon necessary for her to go to the medical facility in Manistee where, at the age of 77, she sadly died on Friday, September 23, 2011. Greatly missed, Beverly will be lovingly remembered for her strength of character and love of family, among the many other traits that made her such a special lady. She is survived by her husband, Alvin; daughters: Debbie (John) Kingma of Spring Lake, Cindy (Russ) Berg of Grand Haven; grandchildren: Kim (Dan) Tysman-Morris, Ryan (Jennifer) Christensen, Jenna Tatu, Angie (Dan) Smith, Lisa Tatu, Josh Odmark, Jake Tatu, Rhonda Berg, Becki Berg, April Potter, Jackie Bolthouse, John (Shana) Kingma, Jr.; great-grandchildren: Dyllan and Konnor Morris, Bevin and Cayvin Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Michael. Visitation: Monday, September 26, 2011, 5-7 PM at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home, Grand Haven. Service: A memorial service for Beverly will be held at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home Chapel-Grand Haven on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Daniel M. Duncan officiating. MEMORIAL: American Heart Association. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Beverly and to sign her online guest book.