Beverly June Hapke, 79, of Des Plaines, artist extraordinaire and world traveler left us on October 9 at Lutheran General. She was born June 9, 1927 at Cortland, Ohio as the daughter of Charles Harmon and Verla Jewell. She was a direct descendant of the FULLER FAMILY which arrived on the MAYFLOWER. Beverly won an art scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago and also graduated from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. She also continued her art education with well-known artists throughout her life. Beverly was associated with many art organizations in the Chicago area and served as an officer in several. She exhibited her art work at many Chicago art galleries, juried art shows at museums and special exhibitions througout the country and at art fairs. Beverly won awards and honors for her artwork. Her world travels included Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Bali, Kenya, Tanzania, The Sechelles, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Greece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, England, Wales, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Norway, many Caribbean islands, Canada, 45 states, Mexico, India, The Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal. This life of arts and travel inspired many paintings and enriched her soul. Beverly just loved staying in Country Homes in England and Castles in France and Germany. She often wished that more people could experience the art, crafts and culture of other countries. We all will miss such an outstanding person and artist. Beverly is survived by her husband of 58 years, Herbert; her son, Stephen; her daughter-in-law Christina; her granddaughter, Annika Noelle Fuller Hapke; her brother, Thomas (Margaret) Harmon; her niece Sandi (Donald) McVay; her niece, Holly Toole; her great-niece, Thea (Devin) Shields; her brothers-in-law, Milton (Phyllis) Hapke, Lawrence (Betty) Hapke; her sister-inlaw, Norma (John) Vignola; her most dear friend of many years, Thelma Spain; and a daughter-in-law, Pamela Hapke and her many friends in the 22 Group. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Harmon, her mother, Verla Jewell, her sister, Betty Poliquin, her sisters-in-law, Sandra Cheers and Betty Hattendorf. Visitation will be at Oehler Funeral Home at 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines on Friday, October 13, from 5 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines on Monday, October 16, 2 p.m. with interment at Randhill Cemetery. Info: 847-824-5155.
