Beverly Dunkin

Beverly A. (Walker) Dunkin, 74, of Des Moines, formerly of Swan, died on Sunday, August 3, 2014 from complications following a stroke. She will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Beverly was the daughter of Lavonne (Simek) Walker and Bennie Bly Walker, both deceased. She was born in Pleasantville and lived her formative years in and around Swan. Beverly attended school in Swan and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1957. She was married to Lowell G. Dunkin at the Swan Christian Church in 1958. Beverly and Lowell made their home in Des Moines. Even though Swan dwindled to just a handful of homes and residents following construction of the Red Rock Dam, for the remainder of her life and against the odds of Alzheimer’s Disease in later years, Beverly cherished many precious memories of that quintessential Iowa community near the Des Moines River.

Beverly’s career was devoted to being an administrative assistant at both Iowa Farm Bureau and Growmark. Following retirement, she enjoyed working part-time at Earle May Garden Center and Nursery and Hy-Vee Home and Garden. A dedicated homemaker and outstanding cook, Beverly took great pleasure in tending to the many varieties of beautiful flowers that adorned the exterior of her home as well as decorating the interior of her home for holidays.

Beverly’s legacy as a gentle, kind, generous, and loving person will be remembered and cherished by her husband, Lowell; sons Randy D. Dunkin (Lisa Sanchez) of Des Moines and Kevin L. Dunkin of Florida; grandchildren Benjamin J. (Mandi) Dunkin of Ankeny, Jeremy D. Dunkin of Phoenix, AZ, Jenna L. “Sissy” Dunkin of Des Moines, and Krista Dunkin of California; great-grandchildren Hayden L. Zubulake and Averi Jo Dunkin; sister Barbara S. (Scott) Lebin of Geneva, IL; brother Joseph B. Walker of Braintree, MA; “adopted” grandchildren Casey Turner and Charley Wheeler, both of Des Moines; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, friends, and neighbors.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, near the capitol, followed by a graveside service at the Swan Cemetery.

Charitable contributions in memory of Beverly may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter, 1730 28th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266, www.alz.org/greateriowa or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print