Beverly was born the second child of Benedict and Dora (McCormick) Dunn on July 2, 1929, in Clemons, Iowa. When she was five years old, the family moved to Miami, FL, where a tragic event struck her early life: her older brother, Wayne, drowned on his way home from school. Beverly’s first memories include accompanying her grandmother on the train to bring Wayne’s casket back to Marshalltown.

The family returned to Iowa where Beverly attended and graduated from Clemons High School in 1947 and then obtained an emergency teaching certificate from the University of Northern Iowa. She began her teaching career in a country school, laying the foundation for her lifelong passion for education. She earned her nursing diploma from Mercy School of Nursing in Dubuque, IA. In 1951, she married Richard “Swede” Nelson, and together they had five children: Wayne, Barbara, Richard, Jacqueline and William.

Beverly balanced her growing family with her educational pursuits, earning her BSN from the University of Iowa in 1973, followed by a Master's degree in Education from Iowa State University in 1975. In 1981, she completed her PhD in Higher Education, becoming a leading figure in nursing and education. She was awarded the prestigious Virgil S. Lagomarcino Laureate Award from the ISU College of Health and Human Sciences, presented annually to a national leader in higher education. Beverly took tremendous pride in earning degrees from all three Regent institutions-ISU, UI and UNI.

Professionally, Beverly’s career was marked by leadership roles including Director of Mercedian School of Nursing, Coordinator of Health Occupations and Dean of Instruction at Marshalltown Community College and Executive Vice President of the Iowa Valley Community College District, serving as interim president on multiple occasions. She was an influential member of the Marshalltown Economic Development Impact Board of Directors, the Brenton Bank Board of Directors, Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce, Marshalltown Medical Surgical Center Board of Trustees and the United States Commission on Civil Rights, State of Iowa Advisory Committee. Beverly was also the first woman Rotarian in Marshalltown, IA.

Beverly led several Economic Development Summits in Washington D.C. for members of the Marshalltown community, always advocating for progress and growth, paving the way for other Iowa communities to do the same. In 1994, after the death of her husband, Beverly ran for State Representative of District 64 and won. She served three terms with dedication, making an impact in her community and state.

In 1996, she met Richard Forbes while attending a big band concert at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA, with friends. She asked Dick if he knew how to dance and he replied he “knew a mean two-step;” the rest is history. They married on June 18, 1999, and enjoyed 25 years of love and adventure together. Beverly and Dick traveled extensively, visiting Ireland, Germany, the Holy Land and many destinations on cruises. Their favorite trip was a Mediterranean cruise that led them to the Vatican, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. In the early 2000s, they became snowbirds, dividing their time between Marshalltown, IA, Eagle Grove, IA, Clear Lake, IA and Clearwater, FL. Over the years, Beverly's love for Clear Lake and the friendships she forged never faded, but only grew stronger. She was blessed with the love of many neighbors. Together she and Dick have been able to stay in their home, thanks in large part to the love and care they received from Touched By An Angel home health care service.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Richard Forbes, of Clear Lake, and formerly of Eagle Grove; children: Wayne (Ursula) Nelson, of Clearwater, FL, Barbara (Michael) Cox, of Ames, IA, Richard (Joyce) Nelson, of Manhattan, KS, Jacqueline Nelson, of Coralville, IA, and William Nelson, of Iowa City, IA; her step children: John (Cynthia) Forbes, of Urbandale, IA, Brian (Kate) Forbes, of Las Vegas, NV, Monica Forbes, of Clarion, IA, and Mark (Karen) Forbes, of Tulsa, OK; their grandchildren: Sasha Hoppenworth and her daughter, Leia; Jennifer (Scott) Laurienzo and their daughters, Alissa and Ellie; Daniel Cox and his children, Michael and Megan; Richard E. (Christina) Nelson and their children, Richard T. “Theo” and Nora; Cherie (Evan) Nelson Senie; Aislin Neufeldt; Adam Forbes; Meredith (James) Swanson and their children, Logan, Kennedy and Jackson; Lauren (Doug) Meyer; Grant Forbes; Spencer Forbes and Claire Forbes.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Benedict and Dora Dunn; brother, Wayne Dunn; husband, Richard “Swede” Nelson and granddaughter, Whitney Nelson; as well as many beloved and cherished pets.

A funeral Mass will be held 10:30 am, Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9th Avenue South, Clear Lake, IA. Beverly's family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 until 9:45 am when a eulogy will be given in her honor in the church social hall. After lunch, a committal service will follow in Dunn Settlement Family Cemetery. Additionally, her family will host a gathering at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 204 S. Jackson Avenue, Eagle Grove, IA on Saturday, February 22, 2025, beginning with a Rosary and scripture service at 10:00 am followed by a time of sharing and luncheon. A committal service will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Eagle Grove, IA.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Beverly to the Richard (Swede) and Beverly Nelson Memorial Scholarship at Iowa State University, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital in care of:

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Avenue North, Clear Lake. (641)357-2193. ColonialChapels.com