Beverly Mae Kriese

Beverly Mae Kriese, also known as "Grandma B" to her grandchildren, 81, of Duluth, died peacefully surrounded by her family, Tuesday, September 6, 2011 in St. Eligius Health Center. She was born in Duluth on November 7, 1929 to John and Hilda Antila. She graduated from Denfeld High School in 1947 and attended Duluth Business University. Beverly joined the Women's Air Force in 1948 and was with one of the first women's units of the USAF-WAF's. While in the Air Force, she met Conrad J. Kriese and they were married June 10, 1950. They traveled the world and together ran a foster home and children's shelter helping 250 kids between 1971 and 1982. Beverly was very active in Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Duluth where she had a special interest in the youth programs. She is loved and will be missed by her children, Kay (John) Palkie, Susan (David) Johnson, John (Connie) Kriese and James Kriese; grandchildren, Raymond (Katy) Palkie, Anna (Trevor) Peterson, Rachael and Nathan Johnson and Connor Kriese; one great grandchild, James "Jimbo" Palkie; brother, Roger (Mary Ann) Antila and three nephews, Mark (Sharon), Tom (Trisha), and Bob (Nicole) Antila, their children and many other friends and loved ones. Memorial Services were held on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Avenue, Duluth. Memorials may be made to St. Eligius Health Center, 7700 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807.