Beverly J. Vandergate, age 78, of Clintonville passed away Monday, April 3, 2017 at Care Partners Assisted Living, Clintonville.

The former Beverly Jeanette Riske was born on September 13, 1938 in the Town of Union, Waupaca County, to Ernest and Elsie (Rindt) Riske. Shortly after graduating from high school, Bev was united in marriage on September 17, 1957 to Franklin “Pete” Vandergate at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Symco. In her early years, Bev worked for some time as a waitress at Coffee Cup Café and Jerry & Pat’s Restaurant, both in Clintonville. She also worked for a few years at the old Citgo Gas Station on Main St. in Clintonville. Then Bev was employed for 13 years at the Clintonville Hospital where she was a CNA helping out in the ER or the OB and she also worked in the hospital supply room. After working at the hospital she started with the Clintonville Area Ambulance Service as an EMT for 16 years, until her retirement in 1994. Bev was a longtime member of Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville. She was a loyal Milwaukee Brewer fan who always watched or listened to the game. For many years the couple enjoyed going up north to their cottage in Tomahawk where they loved to fish or camp with the grandkids. Bev also liked snowmobiling, water skiing, and hunting. The couple made numerous trips to other states to see the sights. Her husband Pete preceded her in death on December 30, 2016. She loved to knit baby sweaters, blankets, hats, mittens, and other items for friends and relatives. Bev will be remembered most as a caring and giving person who always wanted to help others.

Survivors include two children, Shelly (Tom) Schroepfer of Clintonville and Terry (Karen) Vandergate of Marion. There are five grandchildren: Travis (friend Brannigan Collier) Plumb, Megan (friend Curt Balke) Schroepfer, Ashley (Eric) Welch, Ryan Vandergate, and Michael Vandergate. There are six great-grandchildren: Haylee, Jase, Gavyn, August, Hazel and Hannah. There is one sister, Judy (Kenneth) Jorgenson; one brother, Lloyd (Lois) Riske, and a sister-in-law, Karen Riske, all of Symco. Bev is further survived by her cockapoo Ollie; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Pete, a son Rodney, and a brother Orville Riske.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 9th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, and on Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville with Rev. Ben Hollingsead officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Symco.

The family wishes to especially thank the staff at Care Partners and the nurses with Compassus Hospice for the compassion given to mom.