Bernice Adeline Bestul

Bernice "Beaty" McRae Bestul
Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend

Beaty Bestul of Eau Claire, a cherished soul whose kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone she met, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the age of 94.

Born on November 5, 1931 in Chatfield, Minnesota to John and Olive McRae. Beaty was the middle child of 9 and grew up in Red Wing, MN. Graduating from Red Wing High School in 1950. On June 23, 1950 she married the love of her life, Curtis Roger Bestul. Together they celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage.

Beaty grew up with a deep appreciation for family, community, and the simple joys of life. She was known for her warm smile, her unwavering generosity, and her ability to make every person feel valued and loved.

Beaty dedicated her life to caring for others. She was at her happiest when she was beside her husband either supporting his ski jumping adventures, pitching horseshoes together,

camping with their friends down south for a warm winter, or fishing in the lakes of Wisconsin. She also enjoyed being a brownie and girl scout leader, cub scout den leader, homeroom mother, chauffeur and was the biggest fan for all their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their activities. She had a gift for making a house feel like a home, and her door was always open to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need.

She is survived by her loving husband, Curtis Bestul, children Dottie (Don) Hayden, Donald (Kathy Sue Krause) Bestul, David (Karla) Bestul and Deborah (Joe Peloquin) Bestul, Sister-in-law Audrey Karpinski, 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, who will carry forward her legacy of compassion, resilience, and faith. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Olive McRae, in-laws Casper and Adeline Bestul, brothers John Allen McRae, Paul McRae, Donald McRae, and Jerry McRae, Sisters Ida Goplen, Elizabeth Field, Norma McRae, and Jody Schultz, brother-in-law Lyle Bestul, and great granddaughter Delaney Hayden.

Beaty's life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00pm with visitation from 11:00am until 12:45pm at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel at 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona, WI. Friends and family are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the beautiful life she lived.

Her love was a steady light in the lives of those who knew her, and though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will remain forever in our hearts.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.