Beverly ‘Bev’ Alice Pugh – Otter Tail Lake, MN

As the sun was setting over beautiful Otter Tail Lake with her three daughters by her side, Beverely was called to her Heavenly Home Saturday, July 27th, 2024 to join her life partner and husband of 54 years, John “Gene” Pugh. Bev’s moment of transition was filled with a beautiful sunset, a warm summer breeze, a gentle ripple on the lake in her lake home on Otter Tail Lake.
The Celebration of Life was at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Battle Lake, MN Wednesday, July 31st, 2024.
Visitation was from 1-2 p.m. with the service following at 2 p.m. There was a reception following. The interment was Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Holy Cross South Catholic Cemetery of Fargo.
Bev was born in Sisseton, SD April 13, 1936 the daughter of Harold Anderson and Catherine Buus. She graduated from Summit, SD High School in 1954. She was active in cheerleading but her most infamous feat was to outrun all the boys in her class including some state champions!
She met Gene in high school and after high school Bev got a job with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) in Milbank, SD in 1954. They were married in 1958 in Milbank, SD and moved to the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland for the US Army. They found their way back to the Midwest after several moves and eventually settled in Fargo for 25 years at Forrest River Drive on the Red River and raised their three daughters, Cindy, Michelle and Lori; and their family dog, Champer.
Bev was employed with Western States Life Insurance as an actuarial assistant where she made lifelong friends. Bev also was the Secretary of Bruin Boosters for Fargo South High, where her daughters attended. She retired from Western States Life Insurance after a fun and fulfilling career. Upon retirement they moved full-time to Otter Tail Lake where they had spent many summers and they wintered in Lake Havasu, AZ and Englewood, FL.
After Gene’s passing in 2012 Bev was determined to stay in her Otter Tail Lake home and she proudly kept up with the yardwork, home maintenance, gardening, fin-ances and all necessary home ownership responsibilities.
Her family was the most important aspect of her life, her three girls meant the world to her. She wasn’t only a Mom and Grandma, she was a friend, an advisor, a supporter and a great listener for her family. She truly was the rock of our family.
Bev also had many interests including fishing, pontooning, hunting pheasants, golfing, bowling, yardwork (including operating her John Deere tractor mower until she was 85), gardening, crafting, cooking, baking, bird watching and yard games. She excelled in Jarts, Bocce, Croquet and Corn Hole. Bev was an avid animal and bird lover, feeding chipmucks, birds, squirrels and anything else that landed on her deck.
She never missed a sporting or school event for her daughters and grandkids. Bev was an avid fan of the Vikings, Bison, Timberwolves, Twins and a little Fighting Sioux. She loved spending time with her grand-animals and always gave them a special rub down. Other favorites for her included Wheel of Fortune, World News, shopping and Russel Stover Chocolates. Bev cherished her participation with the Otter Tail walking group where she met several beautiful friends.
Beverly is survived by daughters, Cindy Simmer of Fargo, ND; Michelle Pugh (Kari Koznick) of Plymouth, MN and Lori (Dennis) Pugh-Erdle of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Matt and Bobbi Simmer; father of the grandchildren, Frank Simmer; and step-grandson, Max Erdle.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Gene” Pugh; her parents and sister, Corinne (Marlyn) Kuper.
The last year Bev faced many challenges and obstacles, and she always met them with a smile, positive attitude and her strong faith. She was one RESILIENT woman who definitely knew how to PERSEVERE! There were many supportive people who entered Bev’s life to help her through this journey.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Corina Narvaez Jacob (and staff), Perham Hospital, Perham Living, Knute Nelson (PT, OT, Home Health, Hospice), the passionate care givers at Home Instead and local first responders; all of who were part of “Team Bev”.
Bev was blessed with many dear friends and Highland Loop neighbors who she considered part of her extended family.
We want to say thanks to all of you. Love, Cindy, Michelle and Lori.
In lieu of flowers please contribute memorials to a charity of your choice.
Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNilson.com.