Beverly P. Komarek, age 90, died Jan. 24, 2025, in Wheaton, Ill. She was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Great Bend, the only daughter of Earl Madison and Frieda P. (Horney) Phillips. Beverly graduated from Great Bend High School in 1952 and attended Kansas State University as a Child Psychology Major. She was united in marriage on Aug. 22, 1954, at the First Congregational Church in Great Bend, to Donald J. Komarek of Ellinwood. He preceded her in death in 2017.
Beverly pinned Donald Komarek’s 2nd Lieutenant Bars to his United States Air Force uniform in April 1954. For the next 20 years, they served our country in Texas, Japan, South Carolina, Vietnam, Virginia, Turkey and finally settling in Virginia. This period in her life gave Beverly a great appreciation for our government and the freedom that we have through this democracy. It would also encourage active and informed involvement in community, politics, and the environment.
Lt. Col (Ret) and Mrs. Komarek returned to Great Bend in 1975. Donald Komarek became Managing Director of Phillips Sporting Goods, LLC and Beverly Komarek started her career of distinguished community service. Her two greatest civic passions were:
The League of Women Voters (1971 – present) – Beverly was President of the LWVKS (1989 – 1993); President of the LWVGB (1977-1981); and served on both the local and state boards. Beverly was involved in seven LWVKS Studies on Water Usage in Kansas beginning in 1977. She lobbied for the Flood Control Project after the Great Bend Flood of 1981.
The Barton County Historical Society and Village (Executive Director 1986 - 2017). Highlights of her tenure include: the creation of the B29 Memorial; the 100th Anniversary and rededication of “The Rifleman” Monument in 2015; the 2014 Kansas Museum Association’s Award for “South Hoisington, Stories from the Other Side of the Tracks”; and the Lustron Home acquisition and relocation to the BCHS grounds.
Beverly was involved and often held leadership positions in other groups including: The Great Bend Commission on Aging; The Upper Arkansas River Basin Advisory Board; The Wings and Wetlands Scenic Byways Committee; The Barton County Economic Development Committee; Great Bend Rotary; The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; Meals on Wheels; The Jack Kilby Memorial Committee; The Friends of the Great Bend Public Library (Charter Member); The Barton County Genealogical Society; The Great Bend Zoological Society; and many other civic groups.
In more recent years, Bev was well-known in her senior community in Wheaton, Illinois, and a true joy to fellow residents, staff, and her hospice caregivers. Always a “gatherer” of people, she took great delight in lavishing this wonderful gift on family and friends around countless dining tables and social events. “GG,” “Grandma,” and “Mom” modeled how to be truly attentive and interested in other people. Her recent 90th birthday party was celebrated in person by every member of her four-generation family, who gathered with joy from six states across the country. Her baked gifts of German strietzel and springerles at the family Christmas dinners over the years will keep the fires of the family heritage burning for future generations.
Survivors include two daughters, Dana Townsend (Harvard) of Wheaton, Ill., and Tracy (Stephen) Aris of St. Charles, Ill.; and one son, Stefan Komarek (Catherine Besley) of Grandview, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date pending with Bryant Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Barton County Historical Society, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530