Beverly Jean Robarge (nee Spaete), age 88, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023, as a result of congestive heart failure after a fulfilled life as a loving wife and mother.

Bev was born on August 9, 1935, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the daughter of Paul and Helen Spaete.

The family lived in Granton, Wisconsin until 1939 when they moved to Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Bev graduated from Rice Lake High School and worked for the local telephone company for several years. On January 14, 1956, she married Douglas Walter Robarge of Cameron, Wisconsin. The couple lived in LaCrosse, Wisconsin while Doug finished college. They then moved to Racine, Wisconsin, where Doug taught school. Bev worked at J.I. Case Company for Servomation Refreshments, Inc. until retirement. Bev raised four children (and two dogs) in Racine. In 1997, Bev and Doug moved to their retirement home in Chetek, Wisconsin where they lived until their deaths.

Bev enjoyed reading, watching television, going to the movies, spending time with her friends, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and, on occasion, hitting the casino. Although she could be stubborn at times, she will be remembered for her caring and easy-going nature, her smile, her wit, and her laugh.

Bev is survived and will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings: Mark Robarge (Mary Hoel) of Cornell, Wisconsin; Kirk Robarge (Nanilee) of San Francisco, California; Michelle Hermes (Jef) of Bath, Indiana; and Kent Robarge of Sumner, Washington; her grandchildren: Erin Lawwill (Jeff) of West Chester, Ohio; Amanda Hermes (Nery Delgado) of Leander, Texas; and Neil Robarge of San Francisco, California; great-grandchildren: Miles and Camille Lawwill of West Chester, Ohio;  and brothers Dennis Spaete (Susan) of Bessemer, Michigan; and Richard Spaete of San Mateo, California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug; her brothers Robert and Gordon; and her parents.

Bev’s wish was to be cremated and no formal service will be conducted. A celebration of life will be held on December 28, 2023, from 1-3 p.m. at Burnham-Ours Funeral Home in Chetek, Wisconsin.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Last Update: Oct 04, 2023 1:42 pm CDT