Beverly Jean Beeken-Stotts

Beverly Jean Beeken-Stotts, lovingly known as Bev, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her cherished loved ones on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the age of 90. 

A Service to celebrate Bev’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Dakota City Cemetery in Dakota City, NE.

Born on October 12, 1934, in South Sioux City, Nebraska, the daughter of Theodore and Mary (Fowler) Saltzman, Bev radiated warmth and joy throughout her life, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Bev dedicated a significant portion of her career to the food service industry, where she brought joy to countless customers with her bubbly spirit and careful attention to detail. Her time working at Sunshine Bakery and Burger King in Sioux City was just as fulfilling as her years spent in food service at the local school, where she nurtured young minds and filled their hearts and bellies alike.

A woman of many talents and interests, Bev was known for her incredible baking skills, especially her “world famous” cream puffs that delighted family and friends at every gathering. An enthusiastic shopper, she had a keen eye for fashionable high heels, purses, and clothing, often settling for nothing less than a great deal. Bev’s passion for life was infectious, exemplified by her love for dancing and the memorable “ho downs” that brought many together in celebration. As a special touch, she was honored with a song created just for her on her 89th birthday—an unforgettable token of her impact on the lives surrounding her.

Bev was an avid sports fan, passionately following the Minnesota Twins and Iowa Basketball alongside her devoted partner, Merlin “Mac” Neilsen. The bond they shared was filled with laughter and moments of pure joy, reflecting the zest for life that characterized her spirit.

Bev's legacy is carried on by her loving family, which includes her sons, David Beeken of Rio Verde, AZ, Jeffery (Janna) Beeken of Norfolk, NE, and Brian (Joy) Beeken of South Sioux City, NE. She was adored by her grandchildren: Ryan Beeken, Nicole Van Wyhe, Josh Beeken, Brian Beeken, Natalie Beeken, and Nicolette Beeken, as well as 13 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She shared her life’s journey with her brother, Alvin Saltzman of Beatrice, NE, and surrounded herself with the warmth of extended family and friends.

Bev was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Theodore and Mary Saltzman, and the two husbands who journeyed with her through life, David Beeken and Gerald Stotts. She also mourned the loss of her brothers, Harold Saltzman and Theodore "Ted" Saltzman Jr., as well as her special uncle, Alvin "Alvie" Fowler.

In remembrance of Bev, we will carry her spirit in our hearts, continuing to cherish the laughter, love, and kindness she gave so freely. She has left an irreplaceable void in our lives, but her memory will live on, inspiring us all to embrace life as fully as she did.