Beverly Rue Harmsen

Beverly Rue Harmsen, née Malek, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. Born on August 19, 1936, to Frank and Bertha “Birdie” Malek, she grew up as one of three daughters and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954. With her dear friend Eunice Matthews, she moved to Minneapolis to attend the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology, where she earned a diploma in clinical laboratory techniques.

Shortly after returning to Wisconsin Rapids, Beverly met Carl, the love of her life. They married on October 26, 1956, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. As Carl completed his education and advanced his career, they moved several times while Beverly devoted herself to raising their four children. One posting took them to Italy, where she developed a lasting love for focaccia bread, the warmth of the people, and the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean. It was there she first discovered the joy of collecting unique paintings and artwork, a passion she pursued for the rest of her life.

After many years as a dedicated wife and mother, Beverly and Carl found deep purpose in operating the Essex House, a modern rooming house in Minnesota that provided housing and support for families of organ transplant patients at the University of Minnesota Hospital. She took great pride in offering these families encouragement, warmth, and daily connection.

In retirement, Beverly and Carl divided their time between summers at the family cabin in Hatfield, Wisconsin, and winters in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they lived near several close friends known affectionately as the “Flamingoes.” A loyal friend and devoted matriarch, Beverly was known for her optimism, quick wit, and genuine interest in others. Her quiet Lutheran faith sustained her through life’s challenges, including the loss of a grandchild and the lifelong care of another with a traumatic brain injury. Above all, she cherished her family. She is survived by her husband Carl and her children Jane Kaplan, Jill Roy, Tim Harmsen, and Marcia Young, along with their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Her warmth, humor, and generous spirit remain a lasting gift to all who knew her.