Beverly, better known as Bev, was born in Wausau, WI. She was the sixth of twelve children born to Russell and Myrna Thomas.

Bev’s father was a lumberjack so the family moved around quite a lot in her younger years. Then the family moved to Minnesota in 1950. Bev went to kindergarten in Excelsior, then the next three years she went to Richfield MN schools. Then the family moved to Wisconsin where Bev started 4th grade at Coomer in a one room country school. After it closed Bev started her sixth grade at Siren where she continued until graduation in 1965. After graduating Bev went with 3 classmates to Minneapolis where they shared an apartment. Bev worked as a file clerk at J.C. Penney Co.

While still in high school, Bev had met Raymond Engen at a dance at the Frederic Roller Rink. On September 4th, 1965 Bev married her “one true love”. They were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Osseo, MN. Bev worked as a private secretary at the S.S. White Dental Company until she became a mother.

Motherhood was her greatest joy! Todd their first born came with many trials as he was in delicate physical condition even requiring surgery at only 24 hours old. But his great smile, his never wavering faith in a benevolent and steadfast God, was a tremendous inspiration to everyone, most especially his parents. Many hospitalizations and tenuous health made an impact on the whole family, but his 12 short years left each one with unforgettable memories and joy. Next came their second son, Troy followed by Travis and then Trevor. All four sons have given her great joy and their accomplishments a sense of pride.

In 2007, following retirement, Bev and Ray moved to Frederic. Here they could enjoy the two grandchildren they had at that time. Cade and Makenna gave them many opportunities to participate in sporting and academic activities. Then added to the family her next three grandchildren, Teddy, Tori and Teri who have given Bev so much happiness.

Bev loved playing games and anyone who played with her knows she played to win. She played many games of Scrabble with her mom and even made up some games to play with the family---with her own rules, of course! Even during the pandemic, they’d sit outside playing 20 Questions or any game with family or anyone who came by.

Bev was preceded in death by her oldest son, Todd, her parents Myrna and Russell Thomas, sisters. Carol and Pat and brothers Russell and Jerry.

Survivors are her husband, Raymond, her sons Troy (Pam), Travis (Becky), Trevor (Leah). Grandchildren, Cade, Makenna, Teddy, Tori and Teri. Sisters Bonnie Johnson, Barb Stern (Ken), Dawn Nelson (Storm), Debbie Jaskolka (Jim), brothers, Bruce (Janet), Randy, Scott (Elaine), in-laws Grace (Bob) Tauring, Deloris Bumpers, Karen Swanberg and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Frederic on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 12:00PM with a gathering for 1 hour prior to the service at the Church. Bev’s graveside service will take place at Clam Falls Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown.

Last Update: Oct 25, 2022 12:50 pm CDT