Obituary of Bartie Beek

Memorial Tribute Bartie Beek, Jr., only son of Bartie Beek, Sr. and Grace (Kruger) Beek, was born November 18, 1929 in Sheldon, IA. Bartie spent his early years in the George, IA area. At the age of 6, he moved with his parents to a farm between Sibley, IA and Melvin, IA. He began his education at a country school in Goewey Township, eventually graduating from Melvin High School in Melvin, IA. On February 7, 1950, Bartie was united in marriage to Alice Carol Benz at First English Lutheran Church in Spencer, IA. The couple farmed together near Melvin where they raised their five children: Danny, Kathy, David, Leisa, and Michael. Agriculture was Bartie's life-blood; he thoroughly enjoyed all things growing, the changing seasons and the challenges that came with them. He was a life-long member of the American Lutheran Church in Melvin where he served as a council member. In February of 2001, Bartie and Alice left the farm, relocating to Sibley, IA to take life a little easier. Alice passed away on August 5, 2002. Bartie continued living in Sibley until entering the Sibley Rehab and Nursing Home in September of 2013, where he passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the age of 86. Preceding him in death were his parents, Bartie Sr., and Grace; his beloved wife, Alice; three sisters in infancy; and his grandson, Scott William Beek. Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Danny (Darla) Beek, Kathy (Ron) Wynja all of Melvin, IA, David (Judy) Beek of Sibley, IA, Leisa (Michael) Mayer of Lake City, IA, and Michael Beek of Phoenix, AZ; eight grandchildren: Amy Beek of Sioux Fall, SD, Kevin (Juile) Wynja of Dell Rapids, SD, Kami (Christopher) Schulz of Denison, IA, Nicole (Brandon) Axdahl of Sioux Rapids, IA, Kristin (Dave) Pedley of Ocheyedan, IA, Nate (Angie) Mayer of Melvin, IA, Jessica Mayer of Los Angeles, CA, and Jacob Mayer of Tempe, AZ; 13 great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews other relatives and friends. Celebration of Life Bartie Beek, Jr. Born ~ November 18, 1929 Died ~ September 24, 2016 Age ~ 86 years 10 months 6 days MEMORIAL SERVICE Tuesday, September 27, 2016 2:00 p.m. American Lutheran Church Melvin, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Barbara Kopperud Organist ~ Fay Schall Congregational Singing Processional ~ "On Eagle's Wings" #779 WOV "Abide With Me" #272 Recessional ~ "How Great Thou Art" #532 Pallbearers Kevin Wynja Christopher Schulz Brandon Axdahl Dave Pedley Nate Mayer Jacob Mayer Ushers Harold and Judy Riemersma Interment Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa (Prior to the service)