December 31, 1943 – September 7, 2026
Beverly Jean Pitner (née Bonneau) was born on December 3, 1943, and passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, surrounded by family.
Beverly was born in Concordia, Kansas and raised in nearby Glasco, where her early life was shaped by family, faith, school and the rhythms of farm life.
After graduating from Glasco High School, where she was active in student leadership, band and chorus, Bev continued her education at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. Her Kansas roots remained deeply meaningful to her and were an important part of who she was throughout her life. She loved returning to visit the family farm and spend time with friends and family.
In 1965, together with husband Bob Pitner, Bev entered the Peace Corps, becoming part of the pioneering early wave of volunteers during the organization’s foundational decade. They served two years in Andhra Pradesh, India, an experience that helped shape her lifelong compassion, openness and deep connection to the wider world.
Throughout her life, India continued to hold a special place in Bev’s heart, and she returned many times over the years—with her family, with friends, and on her own. In her later years, she returned multiple times to volunteer at a children’s orphanage, work she found deeply rewarding. She so
After returning from the Peace Corps, Bev and Bob spent a memorable chapter of their lives in Chicago, where their daughters, Larissa and Jessica, were born before eventually making their home in Minnesota, where Bev built a life rooted in family, friendship, and community.
One of Bev’s greatest joys was being a mother and grandmother. She loved her girls with all her heart and showed up for them in countless ways — at school functions, matches, meets, and the everyday moments that mattered. She made every holiday feel special, joyful, and full of love. Being “Grandma Bev” to Jackson and Audrey brought her tremendous happiness, and she treasured time spent with them — sharing meals, celebrating holidays, laughing together, and simply being present. She was so proud of them.
Bev had a natural gift for connection, whether with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or people she had just met. She was a self-declared “people person.” After raising her girls she enjoyed working in customer service, where she loved visiting with customers and brightening people’s days through warm conversation and thoughtful gestures. She took great joy in maintaining friendships across miles and years, staying connected with childhood friends from Kansas, friends from the Peace Corps, Chicago, Rhinelander, her Minnesota neighborhood group, and many, many others. She also remained deeply connected to family, treasuring every chance to gather, visit, and stay in touch with loved ones, near and far.
Her Catholic faith was also important to her, as was her deep respect for people of all beliefs and backgrounds. Bev carried a broad, inclusive love for humanity and always met others with respect, warmth and dignity.
Bev loved to dance, was a wonderful baker, adored Elvis and loved hosting parties. She was a crafter at heart and there was never a craft show she didn’t want to join. Her life was defined by hospitality, music, creativity, conversation and laughter and support for causes that reflected her generous spirit.
She will be remembered for her warmth, easy way with people, devotion to family and friendship, and belief in the importance of respecting and caring for others. She made people feel welcomed, heard, and loved, and her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.
Bev was preceded in death by her mother Jean (Pernilda) Bonneau and her father Louis Bonneau. She is survived by her daughters, Larissa (Pitner) View and Jessica Pitner; grandson, Jackson View; granddaughter, Audrey View; brother, Don Bonneau; sisters, Helen Kramer and Barb Rumsey; and sister-in-law, Mary Lynne Bonneau; as well as countless nieces and nephews who were part of the wide circle of family she deeply treasured.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to InterFaith Outreach & Community Partners, Sharing and Caring Hands, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans or any similar charity. Details for a future gathering(s) to celebrate Bev’s life will be shared when arrangements are finalized.
