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Beverly Ione Gaard

Beverly I. Gaard, age 86 of Ellsworth WI, died on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Preferred Senior Living in Ellsworth. Bev was born in Spring Valley WI on May 3, 1931 to parents Ben and Inez (Osen) Swenson. Bev attended school in Ellsworth, and graduated from Ellsworth High School. Bev furthered her education at UW River Falls, and earned her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. She would be united in marriage to Robert J. Gaard on September 6, 1951, and their union in marriage would be blessed with four children.

As a homemaker and farm wife, Bev centered much of her life around her family. Whether raising four kids, keeping the books for Pine View Farm, preparing meals and baking, or having a close relationship with her sisters, Bev’s family was an important part of her life. Also important was her faith and being an active member of English Lutheran Church. Bev taught Sunday School there for over 20 years, was a part of Ladies Aide, Altar Guild, and Bible Study, and was proud that all of her children were baptized, confirmed, and married at the church. Bev was always “go go go”. Bev personified being the “Hostess with the Mostess”. She loved to entertain, go shopping, and travel, where Hawaii, Florida, and Arizona were favorite destinations. She liked to socialize with others in Bridge Club, and have fun with the other ladies of the Red Hat Society. Bev was known to many from her years spent co-chairing the church stand at the Pierce County Fair. Those that knew her well, will remember her for her collections of angels, tea pots, magnets, jewelry and roosters. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends alike.

Bev is survived by her children, Wanda (Tim) Larsen of Northfield MN, Rita (John) McGovern of Winona MN, Terry Gaard of Ellsworth, and Debbie (John) Nahorniak of Prescott. She was a beloved grandma to her grandchildren, Brooke (Jared) Plotz, Jay (Katie) Larsen, Zach (Taryn) Larsen, Adam McGovern, Dana (Dale) Skrzypchak, Philip McGovern, Stacy (Pete) Fleenor, Ben (Bri) Gaard, Luke Nahorniak, Jake Nahorniak, Mark Nahorniak, and Tate Nahorniak; and great-grandchildren, Madden, Maizy, Haedyn, Griffin, Carter, Aiden, Adeline, Samantha, Garrett, MyKenna, Landyn, Matthew, and Graciella. She is further survived by her sisters, Audrey (Duane) Erickson, and Donna (Frank Gombold) Carter; sister-in-law, Marian Gaard; her aunt, Sylva Anderson of Spring Valley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Gaard; and her parents.

Funeral Services for Beverly Gaard will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 27th at the English Lutheran Church, 229 W Main St in Ellsworth. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials honoring Bev Gaard may be given to the discretion of the family. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth WI. 715-273-4421