VanBeek, Albert 1930-2020

VANBEEK, SCHONEVELD, WALLENBURG

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:34

Albert Van Beek
September 15, 1930 - April 28, 2020

Albert Van Beek touched many lives in his 89 years of serving the Lord. He was never afraid to share his love for Christ.
Albert was born in Rock Valley, IA on September 15, 1930, the oldest son of Gerrit & Rolena Van Beek (Schoneveld). He was the third of 15 children. He spent his childhood years on the farm in Iowa with his 6 brothers and 8 sisters. Life on the farm was not easy, but with 14 siblings it was a work force and a playground under one roof. Albert, with his siblings, walked to the country schoolhouse for their education and he was proud when he finished the 8th grade.

Albert met his sweetheart, Wilma Wallenburg, while attending Catechism; going to town on Saturday nights was the highlight of the week. On August 28th, 1951, Albert & Wilma were married in Rock Valley, IA. Their first child, Marcia, was born in 1952 and less than a year later along came Marla. Life on a farm with a wife and 2 small daughters was a little tough when first starting out, so in 1953 Albert and Wilma set out for California. At first it was construction jobs here and there. Then finally he settled into being a general contractor, with a specialty in concrete. He continued to do this for almost 50 years.

Albert and Wilma settled in Artesia, where Randall, Debra, Brenda, Carol, and Vicki were born. He would take his family camping to Lake Cachuma almost every summer, along with homemade bamboo fishing poles. He spent more time putting on worms and taking off little blue gills, then fishing himself. There would be trips to Seal Beach pier for more fishing, hot dog roasts on the beach, and rides to Signal Hill or to the airport just to watch the planes land. There were trips to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, and every other year a car ride to Iowa for the Christmas Holidays. He loved “guy’s day out”, a weekly car ride enjoying God’s creation.

Albert’s hobbies included raising birds and tinkering in his garage. He was quite the handyman, nothing went to waste. If it was broke, he would find a way to fix it and if they needed something he would build it (but perfection was not a word in his vocabulary).
He was a loving man with a generous heart, and a helping hand. He provided hospitality when someone needed a place to stay; food and clothing to those in need, and a listening ear to those who needed a shoulder to cry on.
Albert also had a love for God which was reflected in his daily walk through life. He served in the Netherland Reformed Congregation in Artesia as a Deacon and an Elder for over 50 years. Bible reading, prayer time, gospel music, and singing hymns around the piano were all parts of instilling the love for Christ in the hearts of his children. Albert loved his family but he stood in awe of God. Regarding his family, he would always say “I love my family, I am so blessed.” Regarding his God, he would always say “He is righteous in all His ways.” We were blessed to have Albert Van Beek as our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jeanette Van Beek (Wallenburg)grandchild, Dana Michelle Vennema,two great grandchildren, Ryan James Verkaik, and Tyler Brett Verkaik,And siblings

-Tracy Dieters

-Johnny Van Beek

-Evelyn Richters

-Junior Van Beek

-Janet Teunissen

Albert loved well and was well loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Children
Marcia (Pete) Verkaik
Marla (Larry) Vennema
Randall (Dianne) Van Beek
Debra (Art) Verkaik
Brenda (Bill) Struiksma
Carol (Mike) Meeuwse
Vicki (Ken) Bansberg

37 grandchildren
35 great-grandchildren

Albert is survived by his siblings
Gert Rozeboom
Anthony Van Beek
Gary Van Beek
Marvin Van Beek
Lorraine Hoogendoorn
Geneva Klarenbeek
Reva Koedam
Howard Van Beek
Viola Bonnema

SERVICES:
Friday, May 8, 2020 10am (PST) – Graveside Service Artesia, CA

12pm (PST) – Memorial Service Live Broadcast from Waupun, WI

OFFICIATING:
Pastor Bryan Branderhorst – Graveside Service
Pastor Arnod Vergunst – Memorial Service

Pallbearers:
Pete Verkaik
Larry Vennema
Art Verkaik
Bill Struiksma
Mike Meeuwse
Ken Bansberg

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.”
Psalm 145:17