Beverley Jean Kreger

Beverley Jean Kreger, 82, of Chetek, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully ather home, Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Beverley was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on October 29, 1943, the only daughter of William Sr. and Sophie Banks. One of four siblings, she grew up in Charles City, Iowa, and Big Lake, Minneapolis, and Crystal, Minnesota. She attended junior and senior high school in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. She was married to Merlin Kreger, the love of her life, in 1964 in Charles City, Iowa. As a couple, Beverley and Merlin lived in Waterloo, Iowa, and Juneau, Wisconsin, until they settled in Chetek, Wisconsin, on the lake. They briefly lived in Stoughton, Wisconsin, to be closer to their grandchildren for a few years before returning to the lake in Chetek. Together, they had one child, Robert Kreger.

Beverley began her career by spending a decade with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and working part-time at a Church Day Care Center. She returned to school later in life and earned her Associate Degree with high honors from Moraine Park Technical College in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Following graduation, Beverley served as an administrative assistant at the Dodge County Courthouse and with the Farmers Home Administration. Throughout her working years, she also pursued entrepreneurial endeavors as a small business owner, was employed by John Deere, and, in her later years, worked at a resort in Chetek.

Beverley was a remarkable wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was the epitome of happiness, who constantly streamed love and joy. She engaged in volunteer work at the church and in the community. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden, completing picture and jigsaw puzzles, and entertaining family and friends. All could count on plentiful food, cheer, and good advice. Beverley deeply loved her two grandchildren which she said were the light of her life, and enjoyed spending time with them and celebrating their many activities and achievements. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, rarely missing a game, and enjoyed watching Nascar races with Merlin. She loved animals and could often be found sitting by the lake watching the families of ducks, watching the black bears at the North American Bear Center in Ely, Minnesota, feeding cookies to the squirrels, and spoiling her cat. Beverley’s infectious smile and boundless heart made every room shine, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she has touched.

Beverley is survived by her son, Robert (Ami) Kreger of Stoughton, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Brandon Kreger and Caitlin Kreger of Stoughton, Wisconsin; brother: William (Kim) Banks of Amandale, Minnesota; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Sr. and Sophie Banks; husband: Merlin Kreger; brothers: Jim Banks and Richard Banks; sister-in-law: Karlene Banks; and grand niece: Persephonee Banks.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 6, 2026, at the Burnham-Ours Funeral Home in Chetek, Wisconsin. There will be an hour of visitation starting at 10:00 am with a service at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin at 3:00 pm. 

Per Beverley’s request, memorials may be given to your local humane society or animal shelter or to one of the following organizations:

North American Bear Center - 1926 Hwy 169 PO Box 161 Ely, MN 55731

https://bear.org/support-us/donate/

Leader Dogs for the Blind - 1039 S Rochester Rd Rochester Hills, MI 48307-3115

https://give.leaderdog.org/for/ldb/info/website

Wisconsin Lions Camp for youth and adults with disabilities - 3834 County Rd A Rosholt, WI 54473

https://wisconsinlionsfoundation.org/donate/