Clarice D. Beckwith was born on February 17, 1924, to Laura (Willrodt) and Emil Bergner in Chamberlain, SD. She attended country school until eighth grade, then graduated early as valedictorian of her class at Chamberlain High School. Clarice studied at South Dakota State University before transferring to Northwestern College of Nursing in Minneapolis. She graduated as an RN and became a Cadet nurse.
While swimming at Lake Minnetonka, Clarice met the love of her life, Robert W. Beckwith. They were married on March 25, 1947. Clarice worked as a nurse prior to having her family. After several moves, the couple landed in Chamberlain, SD where they raised their nine children. At that point, Clarice’s career title became ‘Mom’. The family moved to Ankeny, IA in 1966.
Clarice valued education, art, faith and especially music and shared them with her children. She was also a devoted fan of her children’s activities and sports. Her voice was amongst the loudest at wrestling meets. Clarice was adventurous herself and learned to water ski in her 60s and became a Biker Chick in her 90s. Serving others was Clarice’s way of life. She was involved in local and state church activities and volunteered in the Regional UCC office for many years. She was an active member of church choirs for 75 years. Clarice walked in the DM Hunger Hike every year. She also worked at many elections, as she felt a strong sense of civic duty.
Gardening was a passion, and the rewards were flowers from spring through fall, rhubarb, and raspberries. Clarice loved her old and new friends, reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and her animals: Herbie (Dog) and Katrina (Cat). She enjoyed walks at Saylorville Lake and around her neighborhood especially on sunny days. She embraced technology and used Podcasts, Facebook and email to stay current and connected. She marveled at all the medical progress in her lifetime: Vaccines for polio and typhoid, penicillin, using super glue to close wounds. Even though she experienced the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression and WWII, she found joy in each day and helped others do the same.
Travel was something not afforded to Clarice early in life, however, she made up for lost time by visiting six continents and most US States. She was actively involved in the construction of houses with her sons in the US Virgin Islands and Colorado. The hills and plains of her native South Dakota always held her heart.
Clarice’s death on December 12, 2024, was preceded by Robert, her husband of 67 years, her brothers, John and Lawrence Bergner, her son, Gary Beckwith and son-in-law, Bruce Orman.
She is survived by her children: Beverly Kern (Doug), Mark (Sandy), Glenn (Gayle), Laura, Elaine Herink, Bruce (Jeanette), John, Tim (Kristy), 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Clarice will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Ankeny United Church of Christ located at 602 SE Delaware Ave. in Ankeny, IA. Visitation at 10 am, Service at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in honor of Clarice be directed to the Ankeny UCC memorial fund, Iowa Public Broadcasting or the DMARC Food Pantry.
Too well loved to ever be forgotten.