Beverly J. Fowler

Beverly J. Fowler, 88, of Frankfort, Illinois, died peacefully in her home on Friday, October 20, 2023.

She was born in Joliet, Illinois on July 4, 1935 – the only child of Roy & Mary (nee Juricic) Whiteman. Beverly attended St. Mary Nativity Catholic School (Croatian) and St. Francis Academy High School for Girls in Joliet.

Beverly met her one and only, John (Jack) G. Fowler, in 1952 at a football game shortly after Jack returned from serving his county in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Beverly was friends with Jack’s sister, Marleen Walker (nee Fowler), and she introduced them to each other. The rest was history. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on October 3, 1953, at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church in Joliet – and they were recently blessed to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary together with family.

Beverly and Jack joyfully welcomed their first-born son, John G. (Val) Fowler Jr., followed by three more children, Jill (Robert) Lawson, Jeff Fowler, and Joan (Richard) Aust. Beverly was blessed with three grandchildren, Valerie (Casey) Cleveland, Adam (Sarah) Lawson, and Christopher (Fiona) Aust and five great-grandchildren; Addison, Elliana, Carter, Rowen, and baby boy Aust to be born this December.

Beverly’s greatest joy and passion in life was her family – always striving to be the best wife, mother, homemaker, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Along with taking care of her family, Beverly had the privilege and honor of serving as a personal secretary to Congressman George E. Sangmeister for 25 years. Beverly was always grateful for the extraordinary opportunities her career with Congressman Sangmeister afforded her; including international travel on diplomatic trips and meeting Presidents, heads of state, and working alongside Congressman Sangmeister to secure the federal funding, land, and construction of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

In addition to her career, both Beverly and Jack were active volunteers at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Mokena; serving countless wedding receptions at the “Cow Palace”, cooking for and serving funeral luncheons, and assisting with counting the weekly collections. In retirement, Beverly was active in the lives of her grandchildren – always present for birthdays, graduations, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, etc. Beverly also enjoyed crafting, especially sewing. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed countless Halloween costumes for two generations of her family – both her children and grandchildren.

Beverly will always be remembered for her genuine love and care for her family, happily preparing many memorable holiday meals. Summed up perfectly by the son of the late Congressman George E. Sangmeister, “Bev was a remarkable woman.” Above all, she will be remembered for her strength which she derived from her unwavering faith as a devoted Catholic woman, wife, and mother.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Mary Whiteman and her son, Jeff Fowler. She is survived by her husband, John G. Fowler, and her children John, Jill, and Joan. Visitation will be held at Kurtz memorial chapel in Frankfort, Illinois on Thursday October 26, 2023 from 4-7pm. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am on Friday October 27, 2023 at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Mokena, Illinois.