Beverly J. Alderman

Beverly Jean (Markee) Alderman, 80 of Holmen, died Sunday, September 19, 2010. Beverly Jean (Markee) Alderman, 80 of Holmen, passed away Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Mulders Health Care Facility in West Salem surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Jean, as she was known by, was born October 26, 1929 in La Farge to parents, Cecil and Hazel (Anderson) Markee. She was raised on the family farm in Dell and graduated from La Farge High School in 1947. After working for a few years in La Crosse at Lutheran Hospital and the Auto Lite, she was united in Marriage on May 12, 1951 to Myron Alderman. Together they raised three children in rural Cashton, La Farge, Trilla, Illinois and Rockton. Her work history included operating the Rockton grocery store, sewing at the garment factory and working as a CNA for St. Joseph Memorial Hospital/Nursing Home in Hillsboro. Due to the Kickapoo Dam Project and buyout of homes in the Rockton area, Jean and Myron relocated to Janesville in 1974. Within two years, Myron passed away and Jean was left to make her own way. She worked in retail and was a tax preparer for H&R Block. Missing family and friends dear to her, she returned to the La Crosse/Holmen area and worked as a bookkeeper for Kwik Trip and as a CNA for the La Crosse visiting nurses until her retirement. Jean was a devoted wife and mother who possessed many talents. She was an extremely gifted seamstress who made exquisite quilts, clothes, knitted afghans, baked, cooked, decorated wedding cakes and catered wedding receptions. Hundreds of people have been gifted by an article of fabric that was handcrafted and made with love by her. Other craft items include: Christmas tree skirts, aprons, place mats and photograph albums. Her quilt tops are a piece of art that warm the body and soul. They will be treasured by those she touched over her lifetime. Jean was also a welcoming presence as one of the initial six parishioners who pioneered the Sand Lake Wesleyan Church in Onalaska. Her friendliness and love for people was an attribute to those whom she came in contact with. Her positive outlook, especially in her later years, was a spiritual uplift to those she encountered at Mulders and Prairie Home Apartments. She is survived by her three children whom she dearly loved and felt richly blessed by their presence in her life: Sheila Alderman, Coon Valley, Inez (Larry) Severson, Bangor and Gale (Debra) Alderman, Janesville; grandchildren: Kris (Marlin) Keehn, Blue River, Deanna Newlun, Mauston, Nicole (Carlos) Alvarez, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Bart Severson, Trempealeau; great-grandchildren: Elaina and Trevor Newlun, Taylor and Jordan Keehn, and Brayden and Cameron Alvarez; sister, Delora (Fred) Johnson of Holmen; nephews; niece; cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Myron in 1975; parents, Cecil and Hazel Markee; grandparents, Nellie and Henry Markee and Sophie and Anton Anderson; father and mother-in-law, Paul Roscoe and Lela Alderman; sister-in-law, Barbara Schmitz, niece, Kay Schmitz and many cousins and friends. The family would like to express their gratitude to Prairie Home Apartment staff and Mulders Health Care Facility for their care and dedication Jean received while she was a resident. Also, thank you to Sara, Cheryl and the entire hospice staff, Dr. Ohlrogge, and Pastor Akers for their compassion and support during her illness. Jean was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, relative and friend who will be missed more than words can express. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Sand Lake Wesleyan Church, N5761 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, Wis. The Rev. Ryan Akers will officiate with burial in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends may call on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, (Hwy. 14) in Westby and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be directed in Jeans name to Sugar Grove Cemetery, Franciscan Skemp Hospice or Sand Lake Wesleyan Church. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.