Beverly A. Oestmann, 83, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. She was born on September 13, 1942, in Auburn, Nebraska, and grew up on a dairy farm just outside of town. Farm life shaped her, gave her a strong work ethic, a love for simple things, and a steady spirit that stayed with her throughout her life.
She attended country school and graduated from Johnson High School in 1961. She was active in church and Bible school and was a high school cheerleader. It was at Johnson that she met the love of her life, Ron L. Oestmann. They fell in love when they were young and built a marriage that lasted 63 years.
After high school, Bev attended cosmetology school. While Ron was attending Peru State College, she would visit on weekends and cut the hair of students to earn extra money. That was Bev. Practical, hardworking, and always doing what needed to be done.
She worked at Henry Fields, JC Penney, Thomas Carpet, drove a school bus, and later retired from Eaton Corporation, where she worked as a machinist. She stayed busy and involved in every season of life. She was a 4H leader and helped organize new 4H clubs in the area. She loved encouraging young people and being part of her community. She was also an artist who loved painting and continued to paint throughout her life.
Bev and Ron built their family and life in Shenandoah, Iowa, where they lived for more than 50 years. Even though both were lifelong Nebraska Cornhusker fans, Shenandoah became home. She loved their home and especially the view of the countryside from their backyard. She loved flowers and took joy in caring for them. Their home was always warm and welcoming.
She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and served on the hospitality committee for many years. She was a good and faithful servant. Serving others came naturally to her.
Bev loved people. Her friendships were lifelong, and she treasured staying connected. She even loved Facebook as a way to keep up with friends near and far. She enjoyed quilting at church and was a member of the Garden Club and the Red Hat Club. She loved doing puzzles, sewing, playing games on her phone, and making the occasional trip to the casino with friends. She loved the Everly Brothers and the memories that music brought back. Bev and Ron had a real passion for antiques and loved their store Antique Alley where they worked together. They truly enjoyed meeting other antique lovers at various estate sales and antique shows and traveling all over the midwest to buy and sell their wares.
One of her happiest seasons each year was winter in Texas with Ron. She loved the warm weather and the many dear friends they made there. She looked forward to cross border trips into Mexico, their morning Mexican breakfasts in Harlingen, browsing
markets and antique shows, and simply being with people she cared about. Those winters filled her with energy and joy.
But more than anything, she loved her family. She was a devoted wife and a proud mom to Scott A. Oestmann and wife Amy, Jeffrey N. Oestmann, and Brenda S. Steinheider and husband John. Nothing brought her more excitement and pride than watching her six grandchildren and six great grandchildren at their games, concerts, and events. Talking about them lit up her face with joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Opal Oestmann, and her brother, Ron Oestmann.
She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Ron L. Oestmann; her brother, Willis Oestmann; her sister, Judy Huff; her children; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a wide circle of friends who meant so much to her.
Bev lived a full and faith filled life. She worked hard, and nothing meant more to her than staying connected to the ones she loved. She never stopped caring about the people around her. She will be deeply missed, but the love she gave will carry on in all of us.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. The family will greet relatives and friends with a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday evening, March 2, 2026, at the Nishna Valley Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Memorials in Bev's name may be directed to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
