Beverly A. Pitcher, 74, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, at Fieldcrest Care Center in Hayfield, Minnesota.

Beverly was born on Aug. 6, 1942, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, to Tilman and Clara (Tiegen) Braaten. She graduated from Austin High School and moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. She later returned to Austin from Pine River, Minnesota, where she made many good, lifelong friends. She was employed by the Geo. A. Hormel Company, from which she retired.  On Nov. 26, 1960, she was united in marriage to Larry Pitcher. They later divorced.

Bev’s favorite pastimes included cooking, baking and sewing. She made some beautiful quilts for her beloved grandchildren.  She loved spending time with her large family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Beverly is survived by her children, Gene Pitcher, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kelli (Mike) Marsden, Austin; grandchildren, Cody Wiseman, Tori Wiseman and Mackenze Wiseman of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; two “grandchildren” by choice, Alana Braaten and Colton Braaten; sisters,  Marlys (Leroy) Junge, Rochester, Minnesota, Linda (Dick) Skjeie, Kasson, Minnesota; and Carole Dunfee, Austin; brothers, Ron (Melody) Braaten, Chehalis, Washington; Mike Braaten, Austin, and Larry (Jean) Braaten, Austin; aunt, Bernice Thompson, Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tilman and Clara Braaten; brother, Tom Braaten; special aunt and uncle, George and Edna Braaten; and nephew, Dan Braaten.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 28, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and at the church for one hour before the service on Saturday morning.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.