Beverly J. Peckenpaugh

Beverly J. Peckenpaugh was born on October 3, 1940, in Bryant, South Dakota, to Evelyn “Nell” and Harold “Toad” Moeller.  She passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.  Anyone who knew Beverly would tell you she didn’t lose that battle-she won it with the same determination, grit, and grace that defined the way she lived her life.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Hayti Lutheran Church in Hayti, SD.  Officiating will be Rev. Randy Eisenbiez. Music will be provided by Jaret Stormo as organist and Courtney Christensen as soloist.

Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church starting at 9:00 a.m.

Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bryant, SD.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert York, Jennifer Gustafson, Jim Peckenpaugh, Cindy Robshaw (Moeller), and Curtis Moeller.  Active Pallbearers will be Mark Peckenpaugh, Dodd Peckenpaugh, Troy Peckenpaugh, Ryan Peckenpaugh, Shaun Peckenpaugh, and Wally Gustafson.

Known to many as Bevie, she was the youngest of six children and proudly embraced being “the baby” of the family.  She attended Bryant School, where she was a cheerleader, unknowingly cheering on the young man who would become the love of her life for 62 years.

On January 23, 1957, Beverly married Ronnie Peckenpaugh in Rock Valley, Iowa.  Together they built a life filled with hard work, laughter, and, above all else, family.  They welcomed seven boys into the world, and Beverly often said raising them was the greatest joy of her life.  She was later blessed with 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews, who all knew there was always love waiting for them at Bevie’s house.

She may have been small in stature, but she was larger than life.  Beverly ruled her home with a firm hand and a loving heart.  Her boys knew exactly where the line was, and even as grown men, they knew Mom was still in charge.  She fiercely protected her family, loved without condition, and never stopped being their biggest supporter.  Her niece, Jennifer Gustafson, also held a very special place in her heart.

Food was one of Beverly’s love languages.  At just 14 years old, she began working at Baumbach’s Café in Bryant, beginning a lifetime spent feeding people and making them feel at home.  Whether working in restaurants, caring for residents at Parkview Care Center, serving guests at Royal Fork, or baking for “The Cookie Lady”, she found joy in serving others.  And if you were lucky enough to enjoy her homemade lefse, you knew you were experiencing one of her greatest gifts.  She even taught a few Minnesotans how it was really supposed to be done.

One of Bev and Ron’s greatest adventures was owning Ron’s Lounge.  Their boys still laugh about the nickels and dimes scattered across the floor as payment for picking up discarded straws.  Somehow, Beverly found a way to turn even chores into memories that lasted a lifetime.

In 1993, Beverly and Ronnie moved to Rapid City, where Ronnie continued trucking while Beverly worked in several food service positions.  For a short time, they also lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, before returning home to the Bryant area, where Beverly would spend the rest of her life.

If there was one season that captured Beverly’s heart, it was Christmas.  Her home was always open, and everyone was welcome.  Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers could count on a warm meal, a hot cup of coffee, a cup of Tom & Jerry’s, and a place to belong.  Whether Ronnie was playing guitar or karaoke echoed from the garage, there was always laughter, music, and another reason to celebrate.  Beverly wasn’t one to judge anyone….unless you crossed one of her boys or managed to get on her bad side.

After Ronnie’s passing in 2019, Beverly found a wonderful companion and partner in crime Robert York.  Together they proved that life doesn’t stop with age.  They enjoyed traveling, making memories, sharing countless laughs, and never letting grass grow under their feet.  One of their favorite traditions was meeting friends for coffee at Ward’s in Bryant, where stories were shared as often as the coffee poured.

Above all Beverly’s greatest treasure was always her family.  She is survived by her sons:  Mark and Lu Ann “Lucy” Peckenpaugh of Bryant, South Dakota; Dodd and Miss Pearl Peckenpaugh of Phoenix, Arizona; Troy Peckenpaugh of Hayti, South Dakota; Harold “Bun” and Casey Peckenpaugh of Azle, Texas; Ryan Peckenpaugh, Phoenix, Arizona, and Shaun and Shari Peckenpaugh of Lake Albert, South Dakota.  She is also survived by her brother, Curtis Moeller of Bryant, South Dakota; her cherished companion, Robert York; her 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie, her parents, Evelyn “Nell” and Harold “Toad” Moeller; her brothers, Charles (Ona) Moeller, Leroy “Buster” (JoAnn) Moeller, and Lowell Moeller; her sister, Nadine (Burton) Juntunen; sister-in-law JoAnn “Joanie” Moeller; her beloved son, Shad; and her infant granddaughter, Tara.

Beverly’s life wasn’t measured by the years she lived, but by the people she loved.  Her kitchen was always open, her coffee pot was always on, and there was always room for one more at her table.  She believed food could bring people together, music could lift a spirit, and family was worth fighting for every single day.  She loved fiercely, laughed often, forgave freely, and never hesitated to tell you exactly what she thought.

Her family will forever remember her homemade lefse, the magic of Christmas at her house, the strength she showed through every challenge placed before her and the unconditional love she gave so freely.  Though her chair at the table is now empty, her love will forever fill every room where her family gathers.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the traditions she created, and the countless lives she touched.  She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel of Watertown and Hayti.

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