Begg, Wayne Alvin 1925-1994

BEGG, SCHROOTEN

Posted By: Plymouth County Coordinator (email)
Date: 11/15/2003 at 20:12:22

OBITUARY: 27 Jun 1994 - God gave earthly life to Wayne Alvin Begg on February 1, 1925, as one of two (twins) born to Charles and Claribel (Schrooten) Begg in LeMars, IA.

Growing up in the LeMars area as one of a family of six children and his Christian training was in the Evangelical Brethren Church. Wayne had many cherished memories of his school, teachers and classmates. Upon graduation in 1943 the call to serve his country during World War II was answered as he joined the Navy .He gladly served and recalled, at different times, his experiences.

In 1946 Wayne believed that college was the place he belonged. He returned to LeMars and Westmar College. He bloomed during those years, as a student, athlete and as a person. He graduated from Westmar and taught and coached at Blencoe, Iowa for 2 years and then in Correctionville, Iowa for 3 years. Wayne received his Master's Degree from Colorado State College in 1953. The same year that the call came to come as a Principal to Ankeny, he signed the contract and served faithfully as Principal until 1970 when he became Director of Secondary Education for the next 16 Years.

August 4, 1950, in Orange City, Iowa Wayne married Geraldine Wiersma in the ceremony of Holy Matrimony. This partnership was a special source of support and companionship throughout their years together. A daughter and two sons were born to this marriage. While not always easy to be a teacher's family, Ankeny provided the kind of community where it was supportive and caring for all. Wayne had a strong sense of making the community a stronger better community .He believed that he and Geraldine needed to worship, shop, and serve within the community. Wherever Wayne became involved, he took ownership and provided leadership. From his church, school and community, there was a sense of thoughtful participation. He always had perceptive questions and appropriate suggestions. But when a decision was made, which may not have had his full endorsement, Wayne would then support it. "Ok, folks, let's do it!"

Wayne served in many Educational groups and was elected president of Iowa State Education Association in 1969 and chairman of National Educational Association International Relations Committee in 1970. He was Ankeny Citizen of the year in 1968. For 39 years he was a member of the Ankeny Lions Club, serving as president for 3 different terms. For 40 years he was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as Council Chair, Council member, a host of other committees and board positions. He was instrumental in coordinating monthly men's breakfast group for the past 8 years. Wayne was recognized as a Lion's Melvin Jones Fellow in 1993 and received the Governor's leadership award for community development in 1989.

Early this week, Wayne was invited and accepted the offer to go on a brief fishing adventure. The trip turned tragic in the crash of the airplane in Lakeville, Mn. on Monday evening. Wayne died instantly from the plane accident.