Beverly Olson

Beverly Olson peacefully passed away in her own home, on July 19, 2026, after two significant downturns in her health this spring and summer. She was cared for by her family, and the wonderful staff members of Hospice East Bay and Golden Hope Services.

Beverly, the second of five children and the eldest daughter, was born on February 13, 1936, to Detlef and Loena Bargenquast in Red Oak, Iowa. She grew up in many small communities in western Iowa. A child of the Depression and World War II, she grew up with a deep love of her family to make up for a life without monetary privilege or entitlement. Her German born father and her pioneer stock mother provided for their family the best they could during those very challenging times. Cold winter nights meant cuddling up with a hot water bottle for heat. Hot summer days were spent picking beans alongside her siblings, playing on threshing equipment, and roller skating along freshly graded country roads. Trekking to school meant walking up and down the rolling hills, often barefoot, shoes and socks slung over the shoulder to keep them from muddy roads. Muddy feet were washed at school.

Bev met her husband Allen Lee Olson in high school, where she was a standout basketball player. She and Allen married in 1955 while he was serving in the 82nd Airborne. Returning to Iowa after Allen’s discharge, daughter Cynthia was born in 1957, and son David in 1959. Son Eric was born in 1966 after the family relocated to California in 1960, finally landing in Walnut Creek in 1969.. Son in law Jeffrey Remis joined the family in 1985 when married to Cynthia. Daughter in law Wendy joined the family upon her marriage to Eric in 1993. Divorced from Allen in 1980, she devoted her affection to her children.

Bev was employed in the banking industry for over thirty years, first with United California Bank and then in various positions with Wells Fargo including merchant teller and mortgage processing. She retired in 2000.

In retirement Bev enjoyed many activities including the occasional cruise, Mexican train and lunch with former co-workers, working jigsaw and crossword or word search puzzles, and playing Scrabble with her kids. She participated in league bowling until shoulder pain finally surpassed the fun. She embroidered personalized crib blankets for her grandchildren, Hannah Remis, Morgan Olson, and Seth Olson. Her proudest and last creation was for her great grand daughter Indie, daughter of Morgan and his partner Kylee Wittman. Sitting around the Scrabble board with family was one of her greatest pleasures.

Beverly was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Raymond and Jimmy, and sisters Mary and Joyce. She is survived by her children, daughter Cynthia Remis(Jeffrey), son David, son Eric (Wendy), her grandchildren Hannah Remis, Morgan Olson (Kylee), and Seth Olson, and great-granddaughter Indie, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

Beverly will be interred next to her parents and sister, Mary in the family plot at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Nishnabotna Cemetery near Manilla, Iowa.