Beverly "Bev" R. Gradel, age 88 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Bev was born on September 19, 1928 in Cambria, the daughter of Elmer and Dorothy (Smith) Bender. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1946. On August 8, 1947, she was united in marriage to Robert Gradel at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Bev owned and operated the Downtown Bar in Beaver Dam for 25 years and also worked as an optician at Sterling Optical for 12 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family and using her computer.

Bev is survived by her children, Lynda (Michael) Price of Beaver Dam, Buck (Jerra) Gradel of Beaver Dam and Tom (Andrea) Gradel of Chapin, SC; grandchildren, Jessica (Tim) Czarnik, Jerry Kasmiskie (fiancée Lana Greenwood), Sherri (Joel) Kluewer, Angela Gradel (fiancé Ben Hankes), Craig Gradel, Tony Gradel (Vicki Jeffcoat) and Robert Gradel; great-grandchildren, Alicia, Tyler, Megan, Ella, Isabella, Andrew, Gage, Lilie and Liam; sister, Nancy Brown of Markesan; sister-in-law, Rita (Dave) Kleindl of Beaver Dam; brother-in-law and good friend, Royce Wrucke of Horicon; and further survived by other relatives and friends.

Bev was preceded in death by her husband in 2003; a grandson; two brothers; one sister and other relatives.