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Beverly G. Nitzke, 92, formerly of Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away peacefully at the Keystone Cedars in Cedar Rapids, under Hospice care, on November 1, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:30 PM on Friday, November 13 at Gunderson Funeral Home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 1:30 PM.
Beverly was born on February 21, 1934, to Harold Glen and Mary C. Miller in Rockwell City, Iowa. She graduated from Rockwell City High School in 1952 and then received her teaching degree from Buena Vista University. She married the love of her life, Julian “J.H.” Nitzke in 1958 and they made their home in Fort Dodge. Beverly was a 1st grade teacher in Mapleton, Iowa and at Duncombe Elementary in Fort Dodge until she decided to stay home and raise her 4 children. She later returned to education and became a substitute teacher until she joined her husband, after he retired from his longtime teaching and coaching career, and became an employee with Kautzky Sporting Goods.
Beverly was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also a dedicated sports fan, especially when it came to the Iowa Hawkeyes, attending many games along with her husband and friends. She traveled to several Rose Bowls and even went to Hawaii to watch the Hawkeyes play football. She was also an avid basketball fan and loved watching Caitlin Clark play at Iowa and later with the Indiana Fever. Beverly's one “claim to fame” was winning the state free throw championship in high school. Besides playing basketball, she was also the baton twirler and a cheerleader in both high school and college. She was very active in her church, Trinity United Methodist, and taught many classes and assisted with youth programs. Beverly loved to golf, read, and collect doll house furniture and trinkets to display in her 85-year-old doll house.
Beverly is survived by her daughters, Nancy Johnson of Cedar Falls, IA; Cindy Beyer of Franklin, TN; and Patty (David) Wright of Cedar Rapids, IA; Grandchildren, Jason Beck, Keeli Farley, Chelsey Halverson, Alison Metzler, Drew Beyer, Collin Beyer, Tyler Wright, Sydney Wright, Tanner Wright and 12 great-grandchildren.
Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Julian Nitzke; her son, Douglas Nitzke; her parents; and her brothers, Charles W. Miller and John M. Miller.
In lieu of flowers, donations shall be left to the discretion of the family.