Beverly “Bev” Ann Menk (née Shreve), age 88, of New Brighton, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on December 20, 2024. Bev was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Shreve; mother, Velma (Smith) Shreve; and grandson, Colton Menk. She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Menk; her children, Jill (Barry) Froehlich, Roger Menk (Viviana Schwab), Bryce (Colette) Menk, Sara (Scott) Chartier, and John (Carrie) Menk; and grandchildren, Spencer (Alyssa) Menk, Hallie Froehlich, Britta (Jack) Reiman, Danielle and Jack Menk, Eric and Kira Chartier, Reuben and Theodore Menk, and Tyler, Rae, and Kyle Schwab; as well as six wonderful great-grandchildren.
Bev grew up in Greene, Iowa, as a cherished only child. She formed deep bonds with her cousins that lasted throughout her life. After graduating from Greene High School in 1954, she pursued her passion for education at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. It was at Wartburg that she met Tom, who would become the love of her life. On June 2, 1957, Bev and Tom exchanged vows in a candlelight ceremony at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene.
Bev began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Corwith then Waterloo. Though she later chose to dedicate herself full-time to motherhood, her passion for education never dimmed. She created rich learning environments for both her children and grandchildren, perhaps most memorably through her beloved family Christmas pageant but also through everyday activities of curiosity and play. Her commitment to education extended well beyond her family, earning her the inaugural OLE (Outstanding Layperson in Education) award in 1977 by the Mounds View Education Association.
Over the years, Bev was also an amazing contributor to her many communities. Together, in 1985, she and Tom helped to establish the Norway Cup, an annual soccer tournament that evolved into the USA Cup. Their dedication was recognized with the prestigious Sons of Norway International Founders Award in 2012. Bev served on the organization’s steering committee from its founding through present day. Bev was also actively involved as a long-term member of the Fraternal Order of Eagle, serving as both auxiliary club president and state membership chair.
Whether engaged in a competitive game of Scrabble, enjoying card games with neighborhood friends, or simply spending time with loved ones, Bev had a gift for making every moment feel special. Her warmth was legendary, and she possessed an extraordinary ability to make everyone in her presence feel truly loved and valued.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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