Beverly Jean (Bjorneberg) Wellmann, age 91, of St. James, Minnesota, died on March 31, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in St. James, Minnesota.

Beverly Jean was born on July 18, 1934, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Oscar and Ella (Bakken) Bjorneberg. Named after her grandmother, she was welcomed into a loving family alongside her sister Willma, who was 13 years her senior. She attended elementary and high school in Hanska, graduating from Hanska High School in 1952.

At the age of 13, Beverly Jean boldly approached the owner of Hanson's Drug and Gift Shop and asked for a job. She explained that she needed the money and knew how to make malts. Although she was too young, the owner liked that they both had red hair and decided to hire her anyway. She happily worked the soda fountain, serving customers beverages and treats. When a food inspector later questioned her age, the owner claimed she was his daughter, pointing out their matching red hair. The story worked, and Beverly continued working at the store until she was about 18, when she began working at the State Bank of Hanska.

On Sunday, July 18, 1954, Beverly Jean was united in marriage to Wallace Wellmann at Nora Free Christian Church (now known as Nora Unitarian Universalist Church) in rural Hanska, Minnesota. A reception followed the ceremony.

After their marriage, the couple lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia, while Wallace completed his military service. Upon returning to the St. James area, they farmed for more than 65 years. Beverly Jean worked at the State Bank of La Salle, where she advanced through the ranks and eventually became Vice President. When the State Bank of La Salle was sold to Citizens Bank Minnesota, she continued working there until retirement.

Devoted dog lovers, Beverly Jean and Wallace brought their beloved dogs with them wherever they could. If they went to McDonald's, the dog enjoyed a sandwich too. When they bought themselves Snickers bars, they always purchased an extra one for their dog.

Beverly Jean was a lifelong, active member of Nora Free Christian Church in rural Hanska. She generously gave her time helping with the church smorgasbord and especially loved decorating the church and its tables with beautiful flowers. Family and friends fondly remember her exceptional talent for floral arrangements—creating beautiful bouquets and centerpieces for weddings, anniversaries, church events, and celebrations. Her attention to detail extended to every aspect of her life: her handwritten letters and Christmas cards were always written perfectly, often in elegant calligraphy, and her gifts were wrapped so beautifully they were almost too pretty to open.

Beverly Jean and Wallace shared many joyful adventures together. They especially loved traveling to visit family in Norway and took numerous ski trips in search of fresh powder. An avid golfer, Beverly Jean could often be found on the golf course with Wallace. They enjoyed attending the Bob Hope Classic, the New Ulm Kaiserhoff Golf Tournament, the New Ulm Country Club events, and the St. James Golf Tournament each year. Beverly Jean was proud of the fact that she scored a hole-in-one on the fourth hole at the St. James golf course. She had a special love for hosting family and friends at their home, always making everyone feel welcome and special. She also enjoyed helping create elegant place settings for fundraisers and community events. One of her cherished possessions was the little red convertible Wallace surprised her with one Christmas—she loved driving it and going places in style.

Beverly Jean is survived by her husband, Wallace Wellmann of St. James; her nephew, Lee Jacobson and his wife Sandy of Scottsdale, Arizona; brother-in-law, Allen Wellmann and his wife La Faye of New Ulm; sister-in-law, Norma and her husband Roger Breu of Searles; sister-in-law, Ardis Wellmann of Hanska; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends she made over the years through family, church, and business.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ella (Bakken) Bjorneberg; her sister Willma and brother-in-law Donald Jacobson; her father- and mother-in-law, Elmer and Josie (Korsland) Wellmann; and brothers-in-law Dennis Wellmann and Elroy Wellmann.

A celebration of Beverly Jean's life will be held at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – SOUTH chapel, in New Ulm, on April 7th. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend and share memories of Beverly's love for flowers, golf, travel, and her warm hospitality.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Shriners Children's Hospital. https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/twin-cities