Beverly "Bev" Wilson

Beverly “Bev” Ann Wilson, age 97, of Crosslake and formerly of Maple Grove died Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Crosslake.  Services will occur at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.

Bev was born on April 29, 1922 in Conde, SD to Dr. Lawrence W. and Violet (Wilson) Gange.  As a small child Bev’s family moved from Conde, SD to St. Paul where her father practiced Orthodontistry.  In her youth, Bev practiced instructional dance; even becoming semiprofessional, traveling to different state fairs to perform. She attended the University of Wisconsin, where she met the love of her life, James M. Wilson.  The couple was married on September 19, 1944 in St. Paul.  Bev continued her passion for dance, teaching youth classes in the basement of the couple’s home.  As long as her feet were moving to music, she was happy. She was always hardworking, managing and building a cabin in Breezy Point; the couple always enjoyed spending time together.  Bev also enjoyed swimming, fishing, playing games, and being outdoors.  She was waterskiing at 70 and teaching Aerobic exercise into her 80’s; even instructing a dance group called “The Silver Slippers.” Bev was caring, strong, extremely active, and loved life.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Bev is survived by her children, James J. (Kathy) Wilson of Littleton, Co, Dave Wilson of Breezy Point, Caroline (Kurt) Johnson of St. Michael, Peter V. (Lynda) Wilson of Jenkins; sisters, JoAnn Cullen of Phoenix, AZ, Jean Lavers of Coon Rapids; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; and brother, Lawrence Gange.