Beverly Ann (Kniefel) Dimberio

Beverly Ann Kniefel was born on  July 9, 1936, (one of the hottest days in recorded history) to Alvin and Eva Kniefel in Owatonna, Minnesota.  She was the oldest of five children.  Bev graduated from Owatonna High School  in 1954 and went on to further her education at the University of Minnesota – Duluth where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.  She began her career teaching sixth grade at Earle Brown Elementary in Brooklyn Center.

She was introduced to Frank by a mutual friend who remained very close to them throughout their marriage.  Bev and Frank married August 6, 1960 in Eveleth, Minnesota and continued to have a loving life together for 61 years, raising four children, imprinting her wisdom on each one of them.  Bev was always up for an adventure.  She and Frank traveled with their children across the United States  to the coast of California and across Canada in a pink pop-up camper.   Her favorite part of it all was planning and mapping out the journeys they would take. She would spread out the maps and mark the course, being sure to stop at every historical landmark and national park. She also treasured  adventures closer to home such as picnicking at Lake Rebecca, visiting family at Pleasant Lake, friends at Crane Lake, her daughter’s cabin, and spending time at their Gull Lake timeshare.

After raising her family, Bev also taught fifth grade at St. Raphael Catholic School where she had organized the CCD program for public school children.  She then continued blessing others by becoming a eucharistic minister at both St. Raphael and St. Joseph The Worker churches.  Bev’s faith was an important  part of her life and she exemplified this through her kindness, honesty and strength.

Bev was a life-long learner.  She was a teacher as well as a student.  She and Frank together traveled to 48 states and took four cruise adventures to the Baltic Capitals, the Mediterranean, Alaska and the St. Lawrence seaway.  They also attended 22 Elder Hostels  (“Road Scholars”) that covered various subjects and were held at places like the Mayo Clinic, The Canyons of St. George in Utah, Europe and Canada where they strengthened  life long friendships. A highlight for Bev was when she was able to attend the Passion play in Germany.  After retirement from teaching, Bev and Frank wintered in Destin, Florida and also a small mission town in Ventura, California. Bev loved listening to the ocean, and wandering the beaches with her children and grandchildren.  The majesty of the mountains also beckoned her. Many trips were made to mountain ranges all over the world. However, one of her favorite trips was to Estes Park, CO where she, Frank, and their family celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Bev also enjoyed playing Words with Friends and was known as the one who could not be beat.  She was very adept at the use of her iPad and Iphone and used technology to connect with her friends, relatives, children and grandkids.  Again, a life-long learner.  One of Bev’s lifetime hobbies was knitting. As a special gift to each grandchild, she knit a blanket for when they graduated high school and, of course,  she knit many socks for Frank.  She was an avid reader and bridge club member and valued the time with her bridge and book club friends.

To best describe Bev, she was a woman of faith, quiet strength, and patience.  She always looked for the best in people and rarely judged. She valued family, faith and friendship. She especially held close to her heart, her grandchildren who loved and admired her so much.  She was a woman of wisdom.  Those that knew her best coined her statements as “Bevisms”.  These witty words of wisdom will be passed on for many years to come.  Bev was so much to so many; wife, mom, mother in law, Gramma, sister, sister in law,  Auntie, friend, teacher…  and now heaven’s angel to watch over us.

Bev is survived by husband Frank; children, Gina (Scott) Wills, Thomas (Mary Ann) Dimberio, Lisa Jo (Ken) LaMere, & Maria (Chris) Knutson; Grandchildren Alexis Wills, Katlyn Pedone Dimberio, Mariah Wills, Miranda LaMere, Siena LaMere, Cory Knutson, & Jesse Knutson; Bev's Siblings Steve (Marijean) Kniefel, & Al Kniefel; brothers-in-law Richard Lockhart, Greg (Laura) Dimberio; sister-in-law Anita Young and many other extended family. Preceded in death by sister Janice (Dennis) Berg; brother Tom Kniefel; sisters- in-law Ann Kniefel and Mary Louise Lockhart.

A livestream of the service will be available beginning at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 14, 2022 and may accessed by clicking the "Click here to access video" box below the service information.