Cover photo for Beverly "Bev" Strahm's Obituary
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1931 Beverly 2021

Beverly "Bev" Strahm

January 13, 1931 — March 30, 2021

B everly Jean (Frey) Strahm of Leawood, KS passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021 at the age of 90, while living with her daughter in Eau Claire, WI. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-mother and thoughtful friend to many, Bev was born in Dubois, NE on January 13, 1931 to parents Harry and Martha (Hanni) Frey. She graduated from Bern High School in Bern, KS and attended Kansas State University at Emporia, KS, before going on to inspire elementary school students for 7 years in several one-room schoolhouses in Nemaha County, KS.

On June 5, 1955, Bev married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Strahm, in Bern. During the first 21 years of their life together they moved across the country for Vernon’s career with the federal government, and created homes in Parkville, MO; Sacramento, CA; St. Louis, MO; Billings, MT; and Derry, NH, before settling in Leawood, KS. Bev was born with a passion for travel, and never complained about the moves. She treated each of these relocations as an adventure— an opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. Her warm heart and generous spirit made each “Strahm B&B” a comfortable gathering place for family and friends. The door was always open, accompanied by her fabulous meals and, often, a side of chocolate. When distance separated her from her loved ones, she sent thoughtful handwritten letters or cards that included carefully selected newspaper articles (clippings) on topics that she knew would interest the receiver.

Bev’s love of travel took her around the world, and in 2018, with a trip to Idaho, she achieved her goal of visiting all 50 United States. She also visited most of the capital buildings and national parks as part of these journeys. Another of her life goals was to watch a baseball game in every major league stadium, and she came very close before health and the building of new stadiums left her a few short. Anyone who met her learned quickly that her team was the Kansas City Royals, and in her heyday, it was common to find her at Royals Stadium several nights a week, seated behind third base.

She had a strong sense of civic duty, proudly serving as a poll worker in Johnson County, KS, for many elections, and, along with Vernon, helped to build the first two Habitat for Humanity houses in Kansas. Her faith was equally strong. A lifelong Christian, Bev spent the last 44 years as an active member of Leawood United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, volunteered countless hours to charitable events, participated in mission trips locally and abroad, and lobbied for peace and justice with United Methodist Women.

Beverly is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 47 years, Vernon Aaron Strahm, son Jim Eric Strahm, sister Carol LoAnn (Frey) Halden and brother Harlen Dee Frey.

She is survived by son JV (Joni) Strahm of Broomfield, CO, daughter Jean (Boydd) Piper of Eau Claire, WI and sister-in-law Loree (Strahm) Duncan; grandchildren Jessica (Gil Montenegro) Strahm, Jordan Strahm, Jacob Strahm, Nathan (Jessica Barbosa) Piper, Cara (Travis Brenner) Piper, and Tedd Piper; 4 great-grandchildren Carter, Prescott, Camila Piper and Rylee Montenegro-Strahm, along with nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bern Cemetery in Bern, Kansas.  A family visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on April 17, 2021 at Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Leawood United Methodist Church, Leawood, Kansas or the organization of your choice sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia, Sabetha, Kansas  66534.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Beverly "Bev" Strahm, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Saturday, April 17, 2021

Starts at 1:00 pm

Bern Cemetery

, Bern, KS 66408

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