Beekhuizen, Bert 1926-2005

BEEKHUIZEN, JANSSEN, HOL

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 9/10/2005 at 21:01:56

Bert Beekhuizen, Pella, passed away on August 17, 2005, Pella. Bert Beekhuizen was born April 20, 1926, to Arnold and Bertha Janssen Beekhuizen. He died at the Pella Regional Hospital August 17, 2005, at the age of seventy-nine years.

Arnold Beekhuizen immigrated from Holland in 1913. During the following years his two brothers and father joined him in America. Arnold left Holland leaving his girlfriend, Bertha, behind. He sent money for her boat fare and she sent it back. He sent it again and it was returned. The third time he said, "This is it," and she finally accepted. She arrived in America and they were married.

Bert felt he was privileged to have his grandfather live with them as they were growing up. Bert's father had a rule that everyone must speak only Dutch at meal time for the sake of the grandfather. After he left the table, everyone could speak English again. As soon as the Amen was said, Old Grandpa would go to the pot bellied stove in the living room. Bert would follow Grandpa to the living room to sit on his lap and Grandpa would recite Dutch nursery rhymes.

Bert's father was always an elder or deacon in the church, so never sat with the family during worship. One of his main concerns was bringing the English language into the church service for the sake of the children. But Old Grandpa would say, "Son, son, what is going to become of you?"

Bert's mother died from heart problems at a young age leaving six children ranging in age from twelve to twenty-one years.

Bert attended Tracy Consolidated School. A favorite memory was riding on the school bus wagon drawn by horses.

Bert married Marie Hol on January 17, 1947, at her parent's home three weeks after her parents returned from Holland where they helped relatives rebuild their property after the war. Bert and Marie farmed from 1947 to 1959. Later he drove a milk truck, was employed at Vermeer Manufacturing, did custodial work at Webster School, and worked as the crossing guard at Lincoln School.

Bert loved his family, friends, and church. Through all his life Bert never met a stranger. He had a love and joy in life that he shared in all his relationships. From the time he was a little boy, Bert had the unique ability to play the harmonica and loved to share his music with those around him. He loved to sing. He also enjoyed gardening, games, coffee time, playing pool and Blue Grass Gospel. Bert and Marie enjoyed visiting friends and family and sang and whistled during the car ride on these visits. He also sang with the Gospel Singers Male Chorus. He was a member of the Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, where he served on the consistory. Currently he was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella.

Bert and Marie took three trips to Europe before he retired from Vermeer Manufacturing. He enjoyed preparing a few jokes to tell Dutch relatives in their language, and the relatives enjoyed him in return.

Bert felt very grateful for having an upbringing by Christian parents. His purpose in life was to pass on that legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters, Alice Beekhuizen and Jo Kelderman; his brother, Arnold Jacob Beekhuizen; and his precious grandson, Brady Dahm.

Bert is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Marie; his four children: Beverly and Darrel Van Veldhuizen of Eddyville.; Marilyn and Jim Dean of Oskaloosa.; Jim and Laura Beekhuizen of Palm Springs, California; Marla and Bryce Dahm, Pella.; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, John Beekhuizen of Pella.; two sisters: Grace Groenendyk of Urbandale., and Marie Van Maanen of Pella..

Bert will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He will be missed by his family and his large circle of friends.

Burial took place at the Bethel Cemetery near Tracy.. The Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials have been established at Calvary Christian Reformed Church Music Department.

The Pella Chronicle, August 26, 2005