William E. Beenen

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

 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 2^nd 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.