Beverly Dunkin
August 03, 2014
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
Judy Rustik
08/06/2014
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bev. She was one special lady and will be greatly missed. I always appreciated her kindness to my Aunt Harriette Padden and all of us. My thoughts are with all of you, especially Lowell.
Kathleen (Vander Linden) Murphy
08/06/2014
To the members of the Walker family, our thoughts are with you. I knew Beverly from growing up in Pleasantville and through high school, but, I also knew her parents and my brother-in-law Max was their relative. So very sorry for your loss.
Jeff Ness
08/05/2014
Beverly ALWAYS made me feel welcome in her home and I have the fondest memories of her excellent cooking. She had a seat for me, an over hungry teen, at the dinner table every time I came over. I'm saddened to hear of her passing.
David Johnston. Rome ga
08/05/2014
To Lowell and family. It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Beverly. You guys have been very special to me. You took me in and took care of me during my stay there. Beverly cooked the best meals anyone could ask for. You could tell she really enjoyed what she done. She is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Thinking about you Lowell. You and your family are in my prayers. I love you guys. She will be truly missed but never forgotten
Rosa George
08/05/2014
I'm so sorry to hear of Bev's passing. I worked for Iowa Farm Bureau next to her when she worked for FS.
My prayers are with you at this time.
Rosa George
Marjorie McCann Roberts
08/05/2014
Grew up with Beverly at Swan and attended all the school years with her. Always considered her a friend and am sorry we couldn't have spent more time together in later years. Sorry for your loss.
Connie Warmbier
08/05/2014
Beverly will be greatly missed. She was a lady of quality and love. She always lent a helping hand when ever she could. May God bring comfort and peace to Lowell and the rest of her family. All of you will be in my prayers.
Kay Thornburg Reasoner
08/05/2014
Sincere Sympathy in your loss. Speak of her often, laugh about the good times, enjoy your memories of times spent together.
I was a former Pleasantville classmate, we had many good times together.
Donna and Frank Miglierini
08/04/2014
We are saddened and deeply affected by the loss of Beverly. We know that she was an amazingly simple, gentle, and devoted person to family and friends. To Lowell, and to their children and grandchildren; - we send both our love and prayers. To Joe - we give acknowledgement for the special bond you felt with your sister. In spirit we both are with you. May love and unconditional care guide your family steps during these most difficult days..
Peggy Jackson
08/05/2014
To the Dunkin family. Thinking of you in your time of saddness. May God Bless you all.