Beverly Jane Stanczyk, 96

Beverly Jane Stanczyk, a lifelong community member and former business owner, died Dec. 1, 2024, at Portage County Health Care Center. She was 96.

Stanczyk was born March 3, 1928, in Junction City to Harry and Eleanora (née Meindle) Cartwright. She grew up in the area, attended local schools, and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1946.

Later that year, she married Chester Stanczyk on Oct. 19 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stevens Point. Together, the couple raised their family while operating Chet + Bev’s Tavern in Ellis and Shantytown. They ran the business from 1961 until their retirement in 1981.

Known for her hospitality, Stanczyk delighted in cooking for others and was especially known for her turtle soup. She also enjoyed playing cards, solving puzzles, and occasionally trying her luck at bingo. A devoted member of her church, she attended functions well into her 90s.

Stanczyk is survived by her daughter, Ruth (Thomas) Printz of Rosholt; her four sons, Larry (Gerri) Stanczyk of Durham, N.C., and Clarence (Judy), Roger, and Scott (Melanie) Stanczyk, all of Custer; 17 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester; her parents; three sisters, Arlene Trestik (née Cartwright), Ruth Schrader (née Cartwright), and Carol Passineau (née Cartwright); a stepbrother, Francis Cartwright; a son, Leonard Stanczyk; and a grandson, Travis Stanczyk.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Polonia. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared online at www.shudafuneral.com.

The family expressed gratitude to the caregivers and staff at Portage County Health Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.