Dr. Beverly Ann Wesley

Dr. Beverly Ann “Bev” Wesley, age 85, of Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Born on June 7, 1939, in Aberdeen, SD, to Edward and Gladys (White) Guthmiller, Bev spent her early years in South Dakota before relocating to White Bear Lake, MN, where she graduated high school. In the early 1960s, she made her home in Moorhead, MN, and began her academic journey at Moorhead State College. She later earned her Doctorate in Sociology from the University of Minnesota — a testament to her deep passion for education and social sciences.

In 1968, Bev married Dr. Walter Wesley. She went on to inspire countless students as a professor at Moorhead State University, where she taught at the New Center. Bev was also an active and dedicated member of the Soroptimist Club, championing causes that supported women and girls in the community. She was also a member of the Midwest Sociological Society, where she not only held a lifetime membership but also volunteered in numerous roles at the organization’s annual conferences.

In retirement, Bev continued to call Moorhead home. She loved cheering on college sports, spent countless hours scrapbooking cherished memories, and found her greatest joy in time spent with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bev is survived by her children: Deborah (Tim) Wankel, Suzanne (Jim) Monson, Randall (Pam) Vadnais, Michael Vadnais, and Yael (Don) Shahar; grandchildren: Nicole (Justin) Chamberlain-Dupree, Jordan (Kylie) Vadnais, Eden Broberg, Sean (Samantha) Vadnais, and Raven Broberg; four great-grandchildren; and many dear relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Wesley; her parents, Edward and Gladys; and her two half-sisters, Luetta and Barbie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 7th from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the MSUM Christianson Alumni Center, 707 11th St S, Moorhead, MN — what would have been Bev’s 86th birthday.