BEEK, Stephen Ray 1951-2001

BEEK, WILLEMSSEN, BEERS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 10/18/2008 at 19:06:16

Stephen Ray Beek was born to Edward and Henrietta (Willemssen) Beek on November 3, 1951 at his parent’s home on the family farm south and west of George, Iowa. He was the houngest of twelve children. He graduated from George High School in 1970. His life showed great academic promise with high scores on college entrance exams. He attended college for only one year. He worked on road construction for several summers.

H was disabled for most of his adult life. At the age of sixteen, he was diagnosed with manic depressive/bipolar illness. He carried this “cross” mostly without bitterness or complaint un the last days of his life. It was his Christian faith that sustained him through his many ups and downs, and the anguish and torment that came with this illness.

When he was well, he was intelligent, witty, funny, clever, sensitive, compassionate, loyal, forgiving, generous, and always kind. He was always concerned with just and fair treatment for others, particularly those most vulnerable. People were an important part of his life. His enthusiasm, energy and charisma were apparent to others.

He was married for one year to Barbara Beers. He lived most of his adult life in George, Iowa and at the Mental Health Institute in Cherokee, Iowa. He died on November 22, 2001 at the ae of fifty at the University of Iowa Hospital, from sudden complications following abdominal surgery that was performed three weeks earlier.

Stephen will be greatly missed by his four brothers and six sisters, Ruth (Edward) Bruns of George, Iowa; Mary (Lowry) Fredrickson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Sallie (Bernard) De Bar of New Brighton, Minnesota; Harlan (Mary) Beek of Paynesville, Minnesota; John (Kathlyn) Beek of Boyden, Iowa; Glenda (Ron) Noordsy of Pella, Iowa; David (Gayle) Beek of New York City, New York; Rebecca Beek-Tabor of Arden Hills, Minnesota; Eilert “EJ” (Deb) of Mankato, Minnesota and Esther (Gary) Williams of Hopkins, Minnestoa; along with twelve nephews; eleven nieces and many loyal frieds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Henrietta; and one brother, Bartie Beek.

Funeral services for Stephen Beek were held Friday, November 30, 2001 at Hope Reformed Church, rural George, Iowa with burial the same day in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery west of George..

(Roste Funeral Home obituary)