Beverly Oppold-Blessman Whaley
Beverly Oppold-Blessman Whaley, 69, of Clear Lake, and formerly of Iowa Falls, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024, at her Clear Lake home. Funeral mass was held 10:30 AM Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Mark Catholic Church in Iowa Falls, with a one hour prior visitation. Following mass, Beverly was laid to rest at the Clear Lake Cemetery. A public visitation was held from 4-7 PM on Thursday, August 15, at the Woodley Funeral Home, 306 Central Ave. East in Hampton. Woodley Funeral Home is caring for Beverly and her family.
Beverly Ann Oppold-Blessman Whaley was born on July 23, 1955, the daughter of Edmund D. and Marjory A. (Roll) Oppold in Grundy Center, Iowa. Beverly attended the University of Northern Iowa, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree and Drake University for her Masters. In 1985 Beverly was united in marriage to John W. Blessman.
Beverly was a beautiful and intelligent woman who spent her life spreading love and positivity wherever she went. Her compassion and empathy knew no bounds, and she had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel seen, heard and valued. Whether with family, friends, or strangers, Bev had an uncanny ability to bring out the best in people, making her the heart of every gathering.
She understood the value of education, receiving two master’s degrees and dedicating herself as an educator for many years in the Webster City school system. In 2005, she joined the AEA as an educational consultant until her retirement in 2009. She delighted in remaining engaged with her students as she followed their successes in life.
On April 20, 2013 Beverly was united in marriage to Mark Whaley at Hilton Head Island, in South Carolina. Beverly opened the door to countless adventures. After finding her “Mr. Wonderful,” they traveled, explored, and created cherished memories with their friends and family. She took great pride in being an aunt to her nephews and found immense joy in reading books and playing imaginative games with her grandchildren. Beverly embraced life to its fullest, and we were all fortunate and blessed to be swept along in her vibrant wake.
Those left to cherish Bev’s memory are her husband, Mark Whaley of Fountain Hills, Arizona. Stepsons are Dane (Sara Vorland) of Chicago, Illinois, and Ryan (Kathryn Lamont) of Rochester, Minnesota. Grandchildren are Alexandra, Norah, Ava and Carter. She is also survived by her sister, Vikkii (Glen) Beasley of Yorkville, Illinois. Nephews are Wade Beasley of Chicago, Illinois, and Brad (Jill Kilmartin) Beasley of Omaha, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Marjory Oppold and a brother, David Oppold.
For those planning an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider directing memorials to the family c/o Mark Whaley at 2301 S Lakeview Drive Unit 502, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428, to be used to establish an educational foundation in Beverly’s honor.