In loving memory of

Beverly Bollhoefer
December 10, 1921 - January 22, 2018

Beverly Bollhoefer, 96, of Laurel, IA, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018, at her residence. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 29, 2018, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown, IA. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2018. Interment will be at Green Mountain Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Beverly G. Karas Bollhoefer was born December 10, 1921, in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of James and Clara Howe Karas. She grew up in the Baxter, IA, and Green Mountain, IA, areas. Beverly graduated from Green Mountain High School in 1939. She was active in Marion Merry Maid 4H Club and school activities. After graduation, Beverly worked at Kiowa Corp., moving to Louisville, KY, where she married Orville F. Bollhoefer on November 29, 1942. Orville was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Beverly worked at the Louisville Railroad office until moving to Fort Smith, AR. She returned to the Marshalltown area in 1942 and worked in area businesses as a bookkeeper. Beverly and Orville moved to Laurel in 1946. She was active in Semco Music Boosters, serving as President, Secretary, and Treasurer; President of the Laurel Home Garden Club; Leader for the Laurel Loyal Lassy 4H Club, Girl Scout Leader Junior Troop 589; Cadet Troop 590; and Senior Scout Advisor of Scout Troop 591. Beverly was Treasurer of the Laurel Mercy Hospital Auxiliary; Treasurer of the Original Wilkinson Park Board; served as Chairman of the Laurel Library volunteers. She served as the Laurel City Clerk from 1973 to 1978; she was the Mayor of Laurel for two and one half terms, four years, serving in 1986 and 1990. While Mayor, Beverly served on the Executive Board of Region 6 Planning Commission. She was a member of the United Church of Christ in Baxter, IA. Beverly was a member of the Central Iowa Genealogical Society, serving as co-librarian; member of the Gilman Paul Ward Post Auxiliary; member of Farm Bureau; member of the Spinning Wheel Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution in Marshalltown.

Beverly is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen (Merrill) Bollhoefer Harberts of Cedar Falls, IA; a nephew who is like a son, Harold (Pam) Bollhoefer of Laurel; several other nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orville; her daughter, Sue Ann (William) Bollhoefer Layman; and her brothers, Lewis and Jack Karas.

Tributes

Cindy Lyle-Hanken wrote on Jan 26, 2018:

"Mary and Merrill, I'm sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a kind and caring neighbor for many years. I had forgotten all the things she was involved in, She was a busy gal. Cherish your many memories, and be thankful she got to remain in her own home. May she rest in peace. "

Linda Harre (Twinkle) wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"A women ahead of her time strong and ambitious. At peace that's what I pray for. Deepest sympathy to all of Bev's family. "

Linda Harre (Twinkle) wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"A leader of women of her time. Very string and kind. Deepest sympathy to her family. Peace is what she has now. Bless all."

Bill Lorenz wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"Bev was a tireless, hardworking, civic minded lady. She was bright, fiesty and opinionated and I valued her friendship and I really enjoyed my visits with her. She will be much missed by her family, her friends and by the community. "

Vivian (Smith) Jack wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"Mary and Sue so sad to hear of your Mother's Passing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families"

Shelby Douglas wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"I never had the privelege of meeting Bev in person, but I feel like I know her very well through the stories you've shared with me Mary. I have a quote in my desk drawer that reads "Your child will become who you are, so be who you want your child to be." I have no doubt that you are a true reflection of your Mom and in so being, you are the kindest and strongest woman I know. That, I am sure, is thanks to your mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you! I love you Mary!"

Doris Eddy wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"So surprised to hear of her passing. Glad to hear it from her daughter. Was thinking of her so strongly the last few days. We talked every few weeks. We talked of history and genealogy and people. Will miss these visits. Prayers to you Mary and she will not be forgotten and at least wasn't sick."

Deborah Laverty wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"So sorry to learn of Beverly's passing. She has been a long time friend of my Laurel family. My favorite childhood memory is playing with her daughters, Sue and Mary, in the child size house their dad had built in the backyard. Just remembering Mrs. B as a kind but always watchful mom over her girls. More recently my sister, Doris, has kept in touch with Beverly through phone conversations. Beverly will be missed by all her Laurel friends. Sincerely, Deborah Laverty"