Beverly Jean Kai

Beverly Jean Kai, 83, of Pender, NE, died on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at UnityPoint St. Luke's in Sioux City, IA.  A memorial service for Beverly will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Pender, NE; Pastor Karen McNeill-Utecht will be officiating.  Burial will be later at St. Mark's Lutheran Church Cemetery near Pender.  Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Pender oversees the arrangements.

Bev was born in Pender, NE on July 21, 1939, the daughter of Lester and Mildred “Mickey” (Witmer) Oberg where she grew up and graduated.  On December 14, 1958, Bev was united in marriage to Gene Kai at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender.  To this union three daughters were born,  Amy, Jayne, and Julie.  The couple moved to Santa Maria, CA, where she worked and retired as a payroll supervisor at the Orcutt school district.  She was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Santa Maria and an avid supporter of Gene’s singing in the barbershop harmony society.  The couple moved back to Pender in 2019 and she was active with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.  Bev was an enthusiastic Cornhusker fan, never met a stranger, and was a friend to all.  She was known for sending cards out to all her family, friends, and strangers for all occasions.

Bev is survived by her husband Gene Kai of Pender, NE; daughters, Amy (Jake) Campbell of Somerville, TN, Jayne (Norman) Bihr of Pender, NE, Julie (Kevin) Lovera of Las Vegas, NV; six grandchildren, Jacy Campbell, Shane (Anna) Campbell, Austin Campbell, Brandon (Amanda) Bihr, Ashly Bihr, and Zachary Bihr; three great-grandchildren, Savannah, Andrew, and Caleb; and a sister, Mary Jane (Petro) Kot of Lincoln, NE, along with her sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Fred Oberg, and Robert Oberg; and a nephew, Adam Oberg.  Memorials will be designated by the family.