Beverly Ann Bortz, a beacon of warmth and wisdom, passed away August 9, 2024, in her home with loved ones surrounding her. Born to Emery and Opal Baumgartner on August 26, 1941. 

Beverly’s life was a tapestry of hard work, laughter, and love. Beverly attended Columbus High School where she graduated in 1959. She then went on to be a graduate of Prospect Hall Secretarial School of Milwaukee, WI in 1960. ‍Later, Beverly retired from American Printing and Publishing in 1996 after over twenty years of service.  She married her husband, Norman Gene Bortz, on February 4, 1961. Through their 61 years of marriage their family grew and they welcomed three children, seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. In 1976 they moved into their forever home in Reedsburg, WI where they raised beef cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese, and had beautiful vegetable gardens. After many hours of picking and canning the great variety they grew they would share their bounty with family and friends. Their beloved farmette became a gathering spot for many family and friends to get together for birthdays, holidays, and just plain fun. During many events you would find Bev behind the camera capturing those precious moments.

Beverly was an avid reader and a proud patron of the Reedsburg Public Library. Her favorites were romance and murder mysteries. She enjoyed the country life sitting out on her deck watching the birds, admiring her flowers, and sipping on sweet tea. She enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with family where she often was the first to bag the trophy. She was a proud supporter of her grandchildren and attended many different sporting and theatrical events. Her family and friends will forever cherish Beverly’s stories, wisdom, and comforting words.‍ 

Predeceased by her parents, Emery and Opal, and her husband, Norman. Beverly’s memory is honored by her siblings Elsie, Harlan, Phyllis, Allan, and Karleen; children, Wayne (Dawn) Bortz, Robin Bortz, and Jennifer (Vince) Clark; and her grandchildren, Bryan, Christopher (Jennifer), Justin, and Thomas Bortz, Brittany, Breanna, and Alexis Simon; and her great grandchildren, Aaden and Emmett Bortz. 

Services to celebrate Beverly’s life will be held on August 24, 2024, at noon at the Grasse Funeral Home in Reedsburg. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the service. Burial will follow at Bonnet Prairie Cemetery in Rio.