Beverly A. Zientara

Beverly A. Zientara, fondly known as Bev, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at the Life Care Center of Plainwell. 

She was born on December 3, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of John and Annie (Knapper) Boven. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1954. She married Don Zientara in 1961. Bev dedicated 25 years of her professional life to Georgia Pacific, where her hard work and commitment left a lasting impact until her retirement. 

In addition to her career, she was known for her pleasant personality and her nice smile. She found great joy in flower gardening and spent many delightful days boating on Pine Lake with her husband Don. Her adventurous spirit often led her to local flea markets and garage sales, where she enjoyed hunting for unique treasures and she was also an avid reader. Bev devoted time to her faith as an active member of the Otsego Church of God. 

She leaves behind her sister, Marlene McGaffick of Otsego, along with nieces and a nephew: Brenda (John) Campbell, Dana (Terry) Gay, and Kevin (Dawn) McGaffick. Bev was cherished by several great nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews, who will carry her memory forward. 

Bev is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jordan "Don" Zientara; and her brother-in-law, James McGaffick. Her warm spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

Friends may visit with Bev’s family starting at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Stephen Burrow officiating. 

Burial will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. 

Contributions in memory of Bev may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Otsego Church of God. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.