Beverly K. Bracken, 80 of Devils Lake formerly of Leeds, ND, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital with loving family at her bedside.
Visitation for Beverly will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be on Friday, August 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the North Prairie Church, rural Leeds, ND, with Reverend Michael Roher officiating. Beverly will be laid to rest in the North Prairie Cemetery.
Beverly Kaye, daughter of John and Johanna (Meyer) Burkhardsmeier was born on May 14, 1943, at Towner, ND. She grew up and was educated in Leeds, ND. She played the tuba in the school band and also was a majorette with the marching band. She was a waitress at her parents’ restaurant, “The Home Café,” starting at a young age. She also was a lifeguard at the Leeds City Pool.
Beverly enjoyed time with family and friends and bowled in Maddock on the Wednesday morning league with her sister Mary and friends. They were the Bracken Honey Bee’s. She also was a founding member of the Spirit Lake Riders Motorcycle Club.
Beverly was united in marriage to Curtis Bracken on Oct. 27, 1982. They established their home in Leeds for many years, later moving to Devils Lake.
She devoted her life to raising her family and as they grew older and left home, she worked for a time as a Teacher’s Aide with the Cando School System and also was a car salesman for a local auto sales business. She loved camping, the cabin at Red Willow, riding on the pontoon with grandchildren and watching them swim, playing cards with friends. She enjoyed membership in the Eagles Lodge and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for many years.
Beverly loved family, friends, the outdoors and knowing of the love and promises of her Lord and Savior. Beverly had a heart of gold and would help anybody she could. Her membership in Spirit Lake Riders was all about helping the Club with charity events and fundraising for people in need. Helping others, being there for family and friends with love, support and a listening ear. She was a “Mom” and “Grandma” to many of her children’s friends and to kids in the community. She was generous with her time and talents and would give her last dollar to help someone or some worthy cause.
Beverly is survived by her husband Curtis A. Bracken Sr.; five children and fourteen grandchildren, Gary and Linda (Joann) Matthews of Sharon ND, Rochelle (Layne) Opstedal of Rolette ND and children Nichole Hendrickson, John Kuk (Chloe), Fallon (Jacob) Rosecky, Jodi (Erik) Keller and Kyle Opstedal, Tony Kraft of Devils Lake and children David, Zack, Brittney and Chris, Greg (Ragen) Bracken of Bismarck ND and children Broderick, Patrick, Gaberick and Magen Bracken, Curtis Bracken Jr. of West Fargo and child Jacob Bracken; fifteen great grandchildren; brother Richard (Sue) Burkhardsmeier of Utah; sister Vivian Jorgenson of Minnesota; brothers-in-law Wayne Brager and Gorden Bracken; sisters-in-law Marcia Bracken, Gloria Bracken and Harriet Bracken; many dear nieces, nephews and their families.
She was welcomed into heaven by her Lord and those who preceded her in death; her parents, her beloved daughter Patricia Bracken and brother and sisters Tony Burkhardsmeier, Maryann Brager, Patty Owens and Elizabeth Grady.
Our precious Beverly will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Casket Bearers for Beverly will be Patrick Bracken, Gaberick Bracken, Austin Kuk, John Kuk, Katelynn Kuk and Mike Grady.
