Beekhuizen, Gilbert John 1925-2006

BEEKHUIZEN, KOOL, HOL

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 11/3/2006 at 21:28:19

Gilbert John Beekhuizen was born Jan. 19, 1925, near Tracy, to Gerrit and Minnie (Hol) Beekhuizen. He attended the Tracy Consolidated School and as a young man made his profession of his faith at the Tracy Christian Reformed Church in Tracy.

On May 17, 1945, he married Wilma C. Kool at the church parsonage and to this union one daughter was born, Dianna Jean. Gilbert and Wilma farmed in Marion and Mahaska Counties until the late 1950s when he changed occupations due to his health reasons. They then moved into Pella, and 'Gib' worked for the Maytag Company in Newton until his retirement in 1987.

Following his retirement, he enjoyed collecting and restoring antiques along with his wife, Wilma. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gilbert passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella early Saturday morning, July 15, 2006. He attained the age of 81 years, 5 months and 26 days.

Those left to honor his memory are his wife of 61 years, Wilma; their daughter and her husband, Dianna and Carl Veenstra of Pella; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They are Kimberly and George Blom of Pella and their children Matthew, Caleb, Hannah, Gabriel; Kristi Veenstra of Urbandale; Ryan Veenstra of Johnston.

Of his original family, Gilbert leaves his sister, Janet (Wilbur)Van Hall of Tracy and his youngest brother Gary Beekhuizen and his wife, Andrea of Des Moines; along with several neices and nephews. His extended family includes his wife's sisters and their husbands: Bernice and Richard Veldhuizen of Oskaloosa; Freda and Pete Roozeboom of Pella; and her sister-in-law, Emma (Elmer) Kool of Pella.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Minnie Beekhuizen; his brother-in-law, Wilbur Van Hall; and a brother-in-law, Elmer Kool. Gilbert was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella.

Committal service was held in Oakwood Cemetery, Pella. For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

The Knoxville Journal Express, August 16, 2006