Beverly Breed

STERLING-Beverly Breed of Sterling, died, Friday, November 17, 2017 at Parkway Center, Sterling. She had been involved in volunteer work or in working positions all her adult life, but when her children were young she was always there for them. To her, being a mom meant being there. Beverly was born in Moorhead, Minnesota, the youngest of nine children of Axel and Camilla (Brattensborg) Anderson. When her mother died she came to Sterling to live with her aunt. She attended Central School and graduated from Sterling High. She married Royal Breed on October 11, 1942. He preceded her in death in 2006. After marriage, she went to work at Fort Dearborn Manufacturing in Rock Falls, and Royal went to the Army Air Corps. During this time, Beverly also served as the first church secretary for St. John’s Lutheran Church. When Royal came home from the war, they bought a house on Broadway. Later, after a few years living on Fulfs Road, they returned to Broadway, where they lived for 35 years. Beverly was a full-time mom until her six children were older. She was involved in Central School PTA, was a Pink Lady at CGH, joined Sterling Woman’s Club, worked at Sterling Chamber of Commerce and worked as a secretary at the YWCA. She took a job at the Sauk Valley College in 1966 working in the “reproduction room” in the old metal building and later in the college bookstore, for nearly nine years. She spent time in leadership positions for the Women’s Club, on the church council, in Church Women United and nearly every level of involvement in world missions, Illinois Lutheran Synod and numerous ecumenical groups. She was on the Red Cross board and worked in the United Way office. When the Breeds started Royal Steel Ball Products, Beverly worked with Royal to set up the office. In the meantime, their five boys earned college degrees, five master’s degrees, one Ph. D.and their daughter received a degree in nursing. Over the years, Bev enjoyed bowling, card club and socializing with friends. In later years, she and Royal attended several reunions of WWII bombardiers. They also spent time at their lake cabin, attended grandchildrens’ activities and took some interesting trips, including travel to Europe for the 50 year commemoration of D-Day. Survivors include her five sons: David, Melton (Leann) of Eleva, WI, Gary of Mount Horeb, WI, Daniel ( Diana) of Boulder, CO; and Martin (Patricia) of Sterling, IL. She was preceded in death by her only daughter Camilla. Beverly was the last of her family's generation, and was also a bit proud that she lived to an older age than anyone who came before her. She has now joined her predecessors; her beloved husband Royal, the mother and father that she lost when she was young, and Aunt Hannah and Uncle Ed Mowry, who raised her. Visitation will be from 3-6 PM Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling. Funeral Services will be at 10 AM Monday, November 27, 2017 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Leo Patterson officiating, with visitation from 9-10 AM, prior to services, at the church.. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Arrangements were completed by the Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling. A memorial has been established to Self Help Enterprises. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.