Beverly Jean Gress was born May 9, 1940, to Francis Gress and Kathryn Lorene (Sorensen) Gress. She attended school at Marne, Elk Horn, and Anita, graduating from Anita High School with the Class of 1958. After high school she attended nursing school in Des Moines.
On December 31, 1961, she married Harold Jens. They made their home in the Hancock and Avoca area. They managed to like each other long enough to bring three vicarious children into the world Tammie, Paula Pete, and Stan before divorcing. Bev believed in the value of hard work and held a variety of jobs through the years. She raised and sold dogs. Then was employed at Emmerts Manufacturing in Audubon where she managed to notch out her role in a male dominated manufacturing industry. She went on to become the 48th person hired at Gould/Imperial Clevite in Atlantic when the company opened in 1979. While there she and Bev Kinzie became well known throughout the plant as Big Bev and Little Bev. She worked at the Hy-Vee deli, Willow Heights, ran a lunch stand at Vais Auction House and set up a mobile lunch wagon at farm auctions. Throughout the years she sold farm fresh chickens that she had raised and butchered. She baked and sold Christmas goodies.
In 1987, Bev married Lynn Dorsey, she had a love for animals and enjoyed the role of farm wife. Even though this marriage later dissolved the Dorsey kids & grandkids still hold a special place in her heart. Bev was always quick to adopt and provide round the clock bottle feedings for a variety of stray, orphaned or struggling animals which included cats, dogs, a potbellied pig, baby deer, calves, a coyote pup, racoons, rabbits, lambs, and goats. One spring she created and built a multiple bottle holder so she could easily feed an entire litter of baby pigs, all but one lived.
Bev enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s activities along with camping, fishing, and being outdoors. She was a dead eye with her 22 rifle and always claimed, “If I can shoot it, you can eat it” and has been known to serve up some interesting meals. Bev was an avid sports fan, never missing a Chicago Cubs or Kansas City Chiefs game.
Bev left this earth on Saturday, March 8, 2025, after a brief stay at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic, IA. Those standing at the pearly gates to greet her include her parents, stepmother Veta Gress, sister Jolene Rustvold, a sister in infancy, several nieces and nephews and a vast number of friends.
Those left behind miss her vibrant presence include her children and their spouses, Tammie Jens (Dennis Jayne), Paula Jens (Steve Mundorf), Stan and Michelle Jens. Grandchildren: Joel Jens, Holly Jens (Jacob) and Cody & Emma Jens. One great-grandchild: Jack Jens. Her brother Ron and Char Gress, brother-in-law Roy Rustvold and his wife Dee and their families. Nieces, nephews, stepchildren, a vast number of friends and coworkers. Along with a special granddaughter Taylor and special friends Becky Vias and Bea Tolan.
Memorial service will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic with Pastor Kyle Fever officiating. Burial at Brighton Township Cemetery near Marne, IA. Visitation with the family present will be from 5 pm till 7 pm on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic. A luncheon is planned for following the services on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials can be made to the City of Atlantic Animal Shelter and can be left or mailed to the funeral home at PO Box 523 – Atlantic, IA 50022. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic is caring for Bev’s Family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com
