Beverly Joan Wilhelmi

Beverly Joan Wilhelmi, 90, went to be with our Lord on February 23, 2026, at the Richardton Health Center, Richardton, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 142 2nd Ave SE, Beach, ND. Visitation will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Beverly was born April 17th, 1935, at 5:00 a.m. to Leo and Petra (Isackson) Ness. Her birth took place at a farmstead with her mother assisted by midwife, Christina Vestesso. Beverly was one of nine children: Howard, Phyllis, Lloyd, Leo Jr, Betty, Harold, Robert, and Patricia. Beverly’s early years were spent in Egeland, ND where she attended school until the fifth grade. She spent the next two years attending a country school in Webster, ND, arriving to school during the winter months by horse and buggy driven by her brother Bob. She attended one year at Central High in Devils Lake, ND until her family moved to Starkweather, ND. She graduated from Starkweather in 1953. On May 31st, 1954, Beverly married James Wilhelmi in Starkweather, ND. To this union five children were born: Bonnie, Tim, Elizabeth, Karen and Tom. James and Beverly lived in Washburn and Hazen, ND, until settling in Stanley, ND, raising their children until their divorce after 38 years of marriage. Beverly spent the following years living in Bismarck, Dickinson, and Medora until she moved into Edgewood Hawks Point assisted living and later to St. Lukes nursing home in Dickinson, ND. Her last years of life were spent at the Richardton Health Center, Richardton, ND. While living in Washburn, ND, Bev worked at Chase Drug store. Ceramics were a big part of her life, and she spent many years teaching classes at her ceramic shop in her home. After her children were raised, she had a clothing and doll boutique in Stanley, ND, Grandma B’s. She worked at Dayton’s department store in Bismarck until moving to Medora where she managed the clothing boutique, Bandannas and Bows, for her daughter and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Juma and Jolene Wilhelmi. Bev volunteered for many years at the Stanley nursing home fixing hair for the residents. During her lifetime she had many wonderful friends, including relatives. She had fond memories making meals for friends and special “Klube” dinners for her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren were her reason for living, spending as much time as she could going to their sporting events and activities. Bev was known for creating some of the most beautiful Christmases for her children and friends, from her handmade ornaments to handmade stockings to her Christmas cookies and Christmas dinners. She loved to decorate for the holidays and entertain her friends with Christmas teas. Beverly’s life was guided by her strong faith. Sharing her faith and teaching the message was also important to her by leading Catechism for 17 years in different parishes. Reading, singing, dancing and eating were some of Beverly’s favorite pass time activities. She was also an avid doll collector. Bev is survived by her children, Bonnie Juma, Detroit Lakes, MN; Tim (Jolene), Dickinson, ND; Elizabeth (Mark) Payne, Detroit Lakes, MN; Karen (Larry) Fritel, Stanley, ND; and Tom (Tammy), Beach, ND; nine grandchildren, Hannah (Josh) Boyko; Whitney (Scott) Hebert ; Cole Wilhelmi; Emily (Nick) Olsgaard; Luke (Riley) Payne; Anna Payne; Sam (Megan) Fritel; Abigail Wilhelmi; Madison Wilhelmi; ten great grandchildren, Brayden and Kimber Fritel; Colt, Henry, Daisy, Etta, and Benjamin Fritel; Lyla and Wes Payne; Jozy Hebert; brother Robert Ness; and one sister; Patricia; numerous nephews and nieces. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Zach Fritel; son-in-law, Brad Juma; brothers, Howard, Lloyd, Leo Jr and Harold; sisters, Phyllis and Betty. A special thank you to Bev’s extended family and friends at Richardton Health Center for providing exceptional care and comfort throughout her last few years. Bev’s family would also like to thank the staff from Hospice for providing comfort and care for the last few days of her life. Silha Funeral Home of Beach has been entrusted with arrangements. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SilhaFuneralHomes.com.

Beverly Joan Wilhelmi

April 17, 1935 - February 23, 2026

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Beverly Joan Wilhelmi

April 17, 1935 - February 23, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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