Beverly “Bev” Jean Schmerse, 75, of Clinton, Iowa passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Honoring her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Funeral Mass occurs at 11 am on Monday, January 3, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fulton. A visitation occurs one hour prior from 10 am to 11 am at the Church. Burial occurs at a later date. Lemke Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.
Bev was born July 15, 1946, in Beloit, Wisconsin, the daughter of Valentine and Arlene (Schollmeyer) Hagar.
Following graduation from Beloit Catholic High School, Bev continued her studies acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Education at Marion College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Bev was united in marriage to James Schmerse on August 5, 1967, in Beloit, Wisconsin, at the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic church.
Bev was a long-time elementary school teacher in the Kansas City area and, upon retiring and moving to Clinton, her love of educating others led her to work as a teacher’s aide in Special Education. She adored teaching children how to think on their own and treasured each one’s unique abilities.
Bev volunteered her time at the Victory Center and at various nursing homes in both Kansas City and Clinton, and was also active in her church. During part of their retirement summers, she and James would head out in their RV, travelling to visit family and friends and taking their grandchildren to see the sites.
Bev is survived by her husband – James Schmerse of Clinton; daughter - Rebecca (Mark) Dye of Independence, MO; four grandchildren – Samantha (Zachary) Hayton of Goodfellow Airforce Base, TX, Allison Keis of Waverly, Iowa, Nicholas Keis of Clinton and Zachary Dye of Independence, MO; one sister – Mary (Don) Knorr, two brothers – Thomas (Sharel) Hagar and James (Penny) Hagar; three aunts, one uncle with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter – Laura.
Memorials made can be directed to the American Liver Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.