Beverly Jean Lemke's Obituary
Beverly Jean (Churchill) Lemke, 88, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026 at her home in Highland, California surrounded by her family.
Born at Lutheran Hospital in Moline, Illinois on November 26, 1937. Beverly was a graduate of United Township High School in Moline Illinois in 1955. Later that same year year she gave birth to her daughter Richarda (Ricci) Montgomery.
In 1966 she moved to California and married Kurt Lemke Sr. In 1968, she gave birth to her second child, Kurt Jr and 1969 she gave birth to her third child Christopher.
In the late 1970's, Beverly re-invented herself by attending San Bernardino Valley College as well as Crafton Hills College. This propelled Beverly to work as a Psychiatric Technician at Patton State Hospital for over 22 years. It was her house parties for her coworkers and her love of having a good time with friends that made her a Patton legend before retiring in 2002. Her final earthly beverage was a beer!
Beverly's zest for life was on display with her love of travel with her sons both before and after her retirement. She traveled all over the world to such places as England, Jamaica, Scotland, Mexico, Tahiti, Wales and the Virgin Islands.
Domestically she enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Yellowstone, Kentucky Tennessee and Washington Dc among many other adventures.
Beverly loved the Los Angeles Lakers, especially former coach Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant. She was also known for her homemade chocolate fudge with requests from friends and family all over the country.
Beverly was proceeded in death by her parents Raymond Churchill and Adriene Stephens. Her brothers Bill and Richard as well as sister Betty and daughter Ricci.
She is survived by her sons Kurt Jr and Christopher. Grandchildren Melissa, Kristin and Jeremy. Great grandchildren Briann, Donovan and Edward.
She is also survived by her brother Ronnie Stephens (Kathy). Nephews Ray Churchill, Richard and Cory Stephens. Nieces Lori Knight, Shelly Strombach and Brenda Kachelhoffer.
Services will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 4:00pm at Preciado Funeral Home in San Bernardino, CA with burial at a later date in Cordova, Illinois next to her hero and brother Bill Churchill.
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