Beverly June (Gronley) Schenck, 74

Beverly June (Gronley) Schenck, 74, passed away peacefully at her Kalispell, home surrounded by her family on March 10, 2015.

Bev was born Nov. 4, 1940, on a farm in Fairdale, North Dakota, to Marie and Hans Gronley. Her parents were of Bohemian and Norwegian ethnicity, and she was the youngest of 10 siblings. The family moved to Kalispell in the fall of 1942. There were still seven siblings at home and the family enjoyed modern conveniences for the first time. Bev attended Flathead County High School where she led the marching band as a drum majorette. She graduated in 1958.

After high school, Bev attended a business college in Spokane and then worked for a time at KOFI radio station in Kalispell. 

At 18 years old, she met the love of her life, Lewis Schenck, and after a three-month courtship they married on Aug. 8, 1959, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They spent 52 wonderful years together and raised three sons, Steven, Rodney and Brian.

Early in their marriage, Bev worked for the credit bureau in Kalispell, and after that employment her principle occupation was managing the home.  When her children were young, Bev was active in PTA, 4-H, and was a Cub Scout den mother. Lewis’ career ambitions required the family to re-locate frequently, and Bev created a loving home for the family in six different states. Bev and Lew were able to return to the Flathead in the fall of 1995, and happily retire.

Bev was happy at home, and enjoyed her many pets, thrift shopping, spending time at her cabin out “west” and always liked a good potluck. She cherished her grandchildren and always made the holidays a special time; she would radiate joy. For many years, family camp outs were a favorite activity and a fun way to gather the family from distant locations.  Bev was sharp witted and strong willed, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She brightened our days with her smile and laughter. We grieve, but take comfort in knowing “heaven has another angel.”

Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis; her parents; her brother, Sidney; and sisters, Darlene Polejewski and Gwendolyn Clements. 

Bev is survived by her three sons, Steven and wife Peggy, Rodney and wife Kathy, and Brian and wife Cathy, all of Kalispell; nine grandchildren, Meghan Brown and husband Rob, Amanda, Matthew, Jennie, Katelyn, Justin, Alex, Sidney and Tyler; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Camber; brothers, Gerald of Seattle, LeRoy of Kalispell, Winford of Michigan and Stanley of Kalispell; sisters, Frances Roth of Spokane and Gloria Sandon of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen, and a celebration of her life services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A reception will be held at the Rainbow Bar following the service.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bev’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bev’s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.