Beverly June Gerard, 98, of Chelsea, IA passed away September 30, 2026, at Sunny Hill Care Center, Tama, IA.

Beverly was born in July 1928 to Edward and Millye (Kesl) Zeman on the family farm in rural Chelsea. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Belle Plaine High School.

Beverly married William “Bill” Henry. Following his passing in 1976, Beverly went to work for Amana Refrigeration. Later, she married Gerold “Bud” Gerard. Together, Beverly and Bud enjoyed time on their fishing boat on many Iowa rivers.

Beverly loved making kolaches. She enjoyed walking around Chelsea delivering them to friends and neighbors and supplying them for many local fundraisers. She took great pride in her home, decorating it beautifully for every holiday. Beverly also took pride in her yard and continued mowing into her 90s.

Beverly generously supported many local charities and had a deep love for animals. She made sure stray cats in the community were fed and welcomed many dogs into her home throughout the years.

She also had a special love for children. Helping many young people through tutoring and her involvement with the Methodist Church Kids Club.

Beverly maintained her witty sense of humor well into her upper 90s, keeping the staff at Sunny Hill entertained.

She is survived by her niece, Debra (Ken) Behounek; nephews, Randy (Susan) Smith, Bradley (Patrice) Smith and many great nieces and nephews.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bill and Bud; sister and brother-in-law, Gayle and Charles Smith.

Funeral Service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral, Belle Plaine with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Beverly to the Tama County Humane Society or Chelsea United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.