Beverly 'Bunnie' Nevermann
Beverly (Bunnie) Nevermann died on Nov. 22, 2023. She was born April 23, 1933, to Thomas and Ruth (Hertrampf) Ellenbolt at the home of her grandparents, Frank and Anna (Mielke) Hertrampf, on a farm in Allamakee County, near Monona. Bunnie was baptized at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Monona on June 1, 1941. Her sponsors were Leo and Nelda Mielke.
Bunnie attended Giard #1 rural school through eighth grade. In 1951 she graduated from Monona High School. On Dec. 17, 1950, she became a confirmed member of St. John Lutheran Church, Luana. Before graduating from high school, she began working at the Union State Bank in Monona. She continued working there for 15 years.
On June 13, 1951, she was married to Gaylord Pape at St. John Lutheran Church in Luana. As a couple, they belonged to the congregation for several years. In 1964, Gaylord died as a result of being struck by a car while herding cattle across the highway.
On April 14, 1966, she married Gene Nevermann at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona. To this union one daughter, Melanie Sue, was born. Gene and Bunnie were married for over 50 years.
Bunnie's hobbies included Monona Community Betterment Club, where they won many awards at state competition. She helped Jaycee wives with the Miss N.E. Iowa Pageant, Jaycee food stand at the Clayton County Fair, etc. She belonged to many bridge clubs and a bridge marathon. Their home was always decorated for all the holidays.
Together, she and Gene did a lot of traveling, visiting most of the United States, some of Canada and Mexico. Their favorite was Branson, Mo., and Nashville, Tenn. They both enjoyed country music. While their health was good, they attended many of their grandsons’ music and sporting events. Melanie’s family all participated in musical events, both in church and for the city of Charles City.
While a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Monona, Bunnie did ushering, and was WELCA treasurer for several years. She and Gene also chaperoned for an MFL School band trip.
In 2012, Gene and Bunnie joined Faith Lutheran Church in Monona.
Bunnie has resided at Garden View Place in Monona for the last six years.
Bunnie is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Eric Johanningmeier) of Charles City; two grandsons, Colin Johanningmeier (Theresa) of Mesa, Ariz., and Carter Johanningmeier (Brenna) of Des Moines; a sister, Dixie (Gary) Palmer of Monona; and one nephew, Darrin Palmer of Monona.
Bunnie was preceded in death by her husband Gene, parents Tom and Ruth Ellenbolt and grandparents Frank and Anna Hertrampf and Peter and Emma Ellenbolt.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
A funeral and visitation were held on Nov. 27, at Faith Lutheran Church in Monona, with Rev. Mel Harris as the officiant. Burial followed at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Monona.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona is assisting the family with services.
