Beverly ‘Bev’ Ann Friend

Beverly “Bev” Ann (Grimm) Friend, age 80 of Rochester, MN/Charles City, IA and formerly of Forest Lake, MN began her eternal journey of peace on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023.

The eldest of ten children, Bev was born in Elma, Iowa on Dec. 17, 1943 to James T. and Annabelle H. Grimm. Bev was a 1961 graduate of the Osage High School, Osage Iowa. And the  La’ James College of Hairstyling in 1962.

On Nov. 30, 1962 Bev was united in marriage to the love of her life Robert “Bob” E. Friend at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa.

Bev had the privilege to work as a paraprofessional in Forest Lake, Minnesota and Nashua, Iowa until her retirement. She loved helping the children learn to read and instilled confidence in basic math skills. She took great pride in those students she would cross paths with years later who still remembered her.

Bev loved flowers and took great pride in maintaining several flower beds and pots each year. In Charles City, IA she was a member of the City Improvement Association tending to community gardens and parks alongside friends. Bev was a people person, known for her infectious smile and the ability to make others laugh and feel welcome. She was a member of the Card Making ministry at St. John Lutheran Church, Charles City, IA for many years and the Social Ministry Committee while a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, MN. Bev’s other interests included sewing, cooking/baking, reading, crafting, decorating for various seasons, traveling with family and friends and listening to country music.

Bev faced and overcame many health challenges over the course of her adult life. She endured countless procedures, surgeries and treatments, always resilient, defying the odds determined to bounce back stronger than ever with a new zest and appreciation for life.

Bev is survived by her son, James E. Friend and wife Kari of Wyoming, MN; daughter, Angela S. Marketon and husband Greg and grandchild, Isabel A. Marketon, Rochester, MN.

Bev is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Jeanne (Jim) Loomer, LeRoy (Sue) Grimm, Kathy Kimm, Richard (Theresa) Grimm, Robert (Shelley) Grimm, Julie (Lawrence) Foth, Janelle (Bill) Nuehring; and sisters-in-law, Judy Grimm, Carol Grimm, sister-in-law Dorothy (Ike) Duckert; brother-in-law, Gary Friend; and many nieces and nephews.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Friend; her parents, James and Annabelle Grimm; brothers, Ralph Grimm, Roger Grimm; and niece, Kimberly Grimm.

Bev was a member of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City. She elected to be cremated and interred in the Memorial Prayer Garden Columbarium at Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota with a private family service on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024.

Memorials may be sent to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Charles City, Iowa or Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minn.