Beverly J. Oyer

Beverly Joyce Oyer, 87, of Brownsdale, Minnesota, passed away on April 1, 2024. 

She was born in a farmhouse west of Alden on February 28, 1937, to Ordean and Edna (Millhouse) Riskedahl. Dr. Whitson came out to the farm to deliver her. Beverly was a beloved wife to the late Ronald Oyer and devoted mother to Joyce, Ordean, Nadine, and Deanne.

Beverly graduated from Mankato State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She dedicated her career to teaching, starting as a first-grade teacher at Nevelyn and Sumner in Austin, Oakland and Hollandale migrant and summer school.  She settled in as a kindergarten teacher at Hayward Elementary School, later transferring to Sibley Elementary School in Albert Lea. Beverly retired from teaching in 1999. Her passion for teaching touched the lives of many students, as evidenced by former students often approaching her with fond memories. Up until her last days, Bev always took notice of children when they were in her surroundings.

In her personal life, Beverly was a woman of many interests. She enjoyed dancing with her husband, playing cards with friends in their card club, and attending the county fair annually. Beverly took pride in her large garden, where she grew and canned vegetables. She also raised chickens on occasion, with her sister-in-law, Audrey. Beverly enjoyed the farm life. Later on, Beverly found joy in photography, biking with Ron, and traveling across the United States. She and Ron took yearly fishing trips to Canada with another couple, and she cherished a memorable visit to Norway with her brother, Doug and sister-in-law, Audrey.

Beverly was actively involved in her community and church, being a member of the Oakland Lutheran Church. She loved making quilts for her church ladies’ group and grandchildren. Gardening, sewing, bicycling, and cross-country skiing were among her favorite hobbies.

Left to cherish Beverly’s memory are her children, Joyce (Kent) Slegh, Ordean (Mardell) Oyer, Nadine (Fabian) Luna, and Deanne (Jim) Trom; her brother, Doug (Audrey) Riskedahl; grandchildren, Nathan Slegh, Jonathan Slegh, Stacia Krell, Lacey Kiger, Travis Oyer, Tehya Cantu, Zoe Cantu, Justin Trom, Maggie Trom; great-grandchildren, Orion Slegh, Gideon Slegh, Max Slegh, Alayna Slegh, Kira Young, Emma Krell, Lane Krell, Lila Krell, Adeline Kiger, Erinna Kiger, Henley Kiger.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

The memorial service for Bev will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Oakland Lutheran Church with Pastor Mary Kaye Ashley officiating. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Oakland Lutheran Cemetery.