Beverly Jean “Bev” Elgersma, fifth child of Albert and Ida (Peters) Zinn, was born at her grandparent’s house in Hartley, IA on August 22, 1934. Her twin brother, Robert Eugene, was born shortly after, but sadly, did not survive. Bev was baptized as an infant at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley.

    As a young girl, Bev’s family moved to her Grandpa Zinn’s farm just north of the Covey Church in rural Hartley. She also received her early education at the country school located just across the road to the east of the church. Rain or shine, she and her siblings walked about a mile to school every day, lunch box in hand.      

    When she was in 4th or 5th grade, the family moved to a farm east of Larabee, IA. She no longer had to walk to school, but was thrilled to be able to hop on the bus that took them to town. 7th through 10th grade were spent at Sutherland, IA as her Dad had acquired a job in town. When her family relocated to Alta, IA, Bev completed her Junior year there, and eventually, they settled on a farm southwest of Hartley where they all attended school; Bev graduated from Hartley High School with the class of 1952.

    Shortly after graduation, she found employment at several different businesses in Hartley. Her first job was at the telephone company as an operator. She took calls from one party and connected them to whom they were calling by shifting wires on a huge connector board. She then worked as a clerk at Oggs Variety Store for three or four years before accepting a secretarial position at the Hartley Creamery. While working there, she met a young man by the name of John Elgersma. As they became better acquainted, they discovered they only lived a mile apart! On February 15, 1957, John and Bev were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hartley where they have been members ever since. Over the years, she has been a Sunday School teacher, a member of the church choir, Ladies Aid and Women’s quilting group. They have called Hartley “home” until the fall of 1992, when they moved to Sanborn, IA.

    When their son, Brian, was born, Bev’s focus was mainly on caring for her family and maintaining her household, but one day, her “dream job” presented itself. The new Monsanto plant west of Hartley was looking for a secretary/bookkeeper – Bev took the job. She loved working with numbers, organizing tasks and working with people. She was happily employed there for 32 years, retiring in 1996.

    When Bev could find some free time, she enjoyed spending it with family and friends at their home on West Lake Okoboji, doing some fishing, working crossword puzzles, playing cards or relaxing with an embroidery project. But all that could be set aside if it meant spending some time with her grandchildren!

    On Monday, September 29, 2025, Bev passed from this life at the age of 91 years. She now joins her husband, John (2017); her parents; brothers: Robert Zinn (in infancy) and Forrest Zinn; sisters: Bernadean Florke, Elaine Buenger and Arlene Tapper.

    Left to cherish her memory are her son, Brian Elgersma of Sanborn, IA; three grandchildren: Amy (Ryan) Rahbusch, Kristin (Scott) Roorda, and Brandon (Brittany) Elgersma; eight great-grandchildren: Trevin, Bentley and Dane Rahbusch, Jaidalyn, Mason, Cade and Riggs Roorda, and Baylor Elgersma; daughter-in-law, Audrey Elgersma of Paullina, IA; one brother, Kenny (Karen) Zinn of Lake Park, IA; brother-in-law, Raymond (Phyllis) Elgersma; other relatives and friends.