Beverly Jean Poland

Beverly Jean “Bev” Poland, 87, of Sun Prairie, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters on January 17th, 2024. Bev was more commonly known as “Nana” by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dozens of community and family friends.

Bev was born on September 5th, 1936, to Herbert and Frances Scharinger, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. After Bev graduated from Sheboygan High School, she went on to study nursing at Columbia University. 

Bev was the mother to two beautiful daughters that she cherished dearly, Terri and Cheryl. 

She was a beloved colleague as the Director of Nurses at Beaver Dam Community Hospital before proudly retiring at Meriter Hospital in Madison. 

Bev carried many roles: daughter, mom, friend, colleague, RN, but the role she loved and cherished most was being Nana to her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She loved the Rocky Mountains and family trips to the YMCA camp in Estes Park, Colorado. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports, volunteering in their schools, and letting them win every board game they played together.

Nana offered a kind heart to everyone she knew and led a life guided by her faith and love for her family. She was often seen offering a helping hand to those in need. Nana offered warmth, comfort, love, and advice to all who were blessed to have known her.

She was the ultimate leader and teacher of faith. She openly talked about her love for Jesus and taught her children and grandchildren what it meant to live a life for our Heavenly Father. Nana is remembered most for teaching her grandchildren in times of worry or anxiety, to count on their fingers and say, “Jesus is my best friend,” while making a closed fist. 

Nana was greeted in heaven by her parents, brother, and many friends.

She is survived by Terri (Ron) Rodenkirch, Cheryl (Bucky) George, Ryan (Carley) Rodenkirch, Chelsey (Beau) Crawley, Max (Haley) George, Katie George, Jordy and Jax Rodenkirch. 

The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life by taking Nana to the place she loved most, the Rocky Mountains.

Nana wasn’t just our Nana, she was Nana to everyone and loved by so many. She will be greatly missed by everyone that was blessed to have known her.  Fly high our dear Nana. Your angel wings will always surround us. 

Please share your memories of Bev by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054