William E. Beenen, 91, of Belmond, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at
the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
CLICK HERE to view William's funeral service [https://fb.watch/9QYBNXfXhD/]
Funeral services for William Beenen will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021
at 10:30 AM at the Belmond United Methodist Church, 1031 1st Street South East
in Belmond, with Pastor Leila Blackburn officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen
Cemetery in Clarion.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at
Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond.
William Eugene was born on his parents' farm in Alexander on November 15, 1930
and was the son of Theodore and Gertrude (Berninghausen) Beenen.
Bill attended and graduated from the Alexander High School in 1951. He served in
the Korean Conflict and was the MASH communications operator. He was most proud
of the time he served his country and was part of the 2nd Infantry Division
(Indianhead).
Bill met the love of his life, Shirley (Mason) at the Surf Ballroom, and their
love of dance continued throughout their marriage. They were united in marriage
on September 28, 1956 and to this union three children were born, David, Dianna,
and Daniel.
They lived briefly outside of Clarion before moving to Belmond where Bill worked
at the Belmond Lumberyard, and then for General Mills/ Central Soya until his
retirement. He and Shirley enjoyed traveling, square dancing and ballroom
dancing. They could cut a rug on the dance floor like no other! He also
supported his children and grandchildren's activities at their schools. Taking
care of their big house, and decorating it with thousands of lights at
Christmas. But what he loved the most was his family! Bill was also the last
remaining uncle for both sides of the family!
In 2015, Bill had the thrill of going with other veteran's to Washington DC on
an Honor Flight with Bushy Creek, he said it was the best day of his life right
after marrying his wife, and the birth of his children and grandchildren.
Bill loved to sing and was a loyal choir member of the United Methodist Church
in Belmond. He often would sing solo's with his favorite being "Morning has
Broken". He also belonged to the River City Barbershop Choir. He enjoyed "coffee
time" at Bloemke Pharmacy every day, and never met a stranger that he couldn't
visit with. In 2012, Bill moved to the Belmond Community Apartments where he
resided until 2020 when he entered the care center.
Bill is survived by his children, David (Deb) Beenen of Shell Rock, Dianna (Jim)
Suntken of Belmond, and Daniel Beenen of Milan, MI; grandchildren Jonathan
(Julie) Suntken of Nevada, Dustin (Bonny) Beenen of Ankeny, Danielle (Bradley)
Nordmeyer of Shell Rock, and Daren (Eliza) Beenen of Lacey, WA;
great-grandchildren Desiree, Jaxson, Greyson, Lydia, Gunner, Remington, Audrey,
Bernadette, and Gertrude; brother Robert Berninghausen of Belmont, CA and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Francis and brother-in-law
Richard Michael and sister-in-law Carole Berninghausen.