Beverly Simonson

Funeral Service for Beverly Lichtsinn Simonson will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Minnesota with Rev. Thomas Olson officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, August 20 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Beverly (Larson) Lichtsinn Simonson was born September 7, 1931 in Wheaton, MN to Myrtle and Fred Larson. She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1949. Beverly married Merton Lichtsinn in Wheaton on March 18, 1950. They lived on a farm seven miles east of Dumont until moving to Wheaton in 1979. As a high school student, Beverly took part in designing the school mascot Wally Warrior. She also participated in numerous concerts, plays, and singing competitions. Beverly shared her many creative artistic talents. She painted in oils, drew in pencil, and arranged flowers. She enjoyed writing poetry and had two poems published. She created covers for the monthly publication Traverse Electric. She designed the window displays for BonJo's Clothing Store for many years. Her hobbies included art, music, reading, gardening, and shopping. She had some of the best garage sales east of the Red River. Beverly was an active member of the Bethlehem Covenant Church. She taught Bible Study and loved to sing. Time spent with Beverly's family was one of the most important things in her life. She planned many family outings and trips as well as gatherings at her home. Beverly passed away suddenly on Friday, August 17 at the Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN due to complications from a blood clot. Survivors include five children: Marcy (John) Erickson of Nashville, TN, Vicki (Mike) Wilson of St. Michael, MN, Susan (Barry) Gaulrapp of Wheaton, Craig Lichtsinn of Wheaton, and Barbara Lichtsinn of Perham, MN, two sisters: Lorraine (Alton) Gail of Wheaton and Nira (Gene) Flaten of Rochester, MN, 16 Grandchildren and 9 Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Merton, her parents, Myrtle and Fred, and her brother Dayton.

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BEVERLY SIMONSON HOMILY BY Marcy Erickson. Mom has always been there for all of us. We heard this over and over the last few days. She loved every one of us dearly and was so proud of her family. She led us by example, starting back when we were little, singing to us, bringing us to Sunday School, and to family gatherings. She always had a song ready. She sang in the car, sang when we were outside on the swing-set, sang in the hall while we were going to sleep, sang if we were sick, and sang at graduations. You name it - we sang. When mom was in the hospital this past week, we sang childhood songs and hymns to her. What a comfort and joy! Mom was there with a prayer for us when we went through tough times and happy times. She loved to discuss her faith in God. She shared her innermost feelings and the depth other faith by writing poetry. She would often call me after she finished a new poem and we would share this special gift together. She was proud to be able to publish her poems and we plan to share her poetry in our families. She was always ready to have a good time and we have many happy memories to share. She enjoyed taking us all to Cancun or on other trips. She danced at weddings, even when she couldn't stand " she danced in her chair! She must have made up the line "shop till you drop" because she could shop with the best. It always seemed to revive her! Our family gatherings were always extra special and we never went away hungry. She made the best Swedish meatball escalloped potatoes and rice pudding! There was always room for more friends and family. We were encouraged to invite many people into our group at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and anytime we got together. Mom was talented! She could draw, paint, write, and sing. She was so proud of her talented offspring, yet I never thought of her as boastful. She encouraged each of us to do our best. We always heard words of praise and love. Mom was there to listen. She helped us through the many hurts and bumps in the road that life throws at us. She led us through these rough spots by always loving us. She completely loved us all and prayed for each of us daily. She had some words of wisdom: "Never go to bed mad." "Say,'I love you."' "Say, 'good morning' and 'good night.'" "Don't repeat gossip." "Keep your chin up." "Try to see things from the other person's point of view." "You can only change the future." "Forgive." She was a hugger - as are her sisters! I've heard lots of people tell me this. Mom was there for us. Jesus was there for her. She knew it and wasn't afraid. Early Friday morning, she had a few moments when she could talk to us. After I told her she wasn't going to make it, she said, "Thank God! I'm not afraid. God will take care of me." She was at total peace and looking forward to being with Jesus. Lets remember that God will take care of all of us. Mom is with us now in spirit, and in song, and in prayer, and in our love for each other. Lets keep hugging, listening, loving, singing, and praying. She will always be in our hearts. May God bless us with a faith as strong as mom's!