Clarence J. Van Beek age 101 of West Bend died Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the Kettle Moraine Gardens in Kewaskum. He was born March 13, 1915 in Barton to Albert and Elizabeth (nee Bingen) Van Beek and married Leona A. Schneider on October 12, 1943 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Michael’s. Leona preceded him in death on January 19, 2012.
He was a life-long farmer remaining very active on the farm until the age of 94 and was still driving the Kubota RTV at age 100. He also worked for 35 years at the West Bend Company, retiring in 1977. Clarence enjoyed talking about the good old days and telling stories about the farm and his horses. He was interested in the news and payed special attention to politics and current events.
Clarence was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church in Barton where he was a member of the St. Joseph’s Society and the Holy Name Society. He was proud to be the longest living member of the Fr. Casper Rehrl Council 1964 Knights of Columbus.
Clarence is survived by his 7 children: Jim (Sue) of St. Kilian, Rev. Alois of Oakfield, Mary (Jim) Brodzeller of West Bend, Gerald of St. Kilian, Howard of Rosendale, Earl of Rosendale and Sylvester (Patricia) of Mayville, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his daughter-in-law Bridget Van Beek of Waupun, 2 brothers-in-law Ray Chapman of West Bend and Jerome Chapman of West Bend and nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Elizabeth Van Beek, his wife Leona, 3 sons Donald, Rayner and Leo, his great-grandson Isaiah Van Beek and his 2 sisters Helen Chapman and Dolores Chapman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Barton with Rev. Alois Van Beek presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Old Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers Masses or memorials to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Heartland Hospice are appreciated.
The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt Thank You to the staff at the Kettle Moraine Gardens and Heartland Hospice for the care provided to Clarence.
The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. On-line guestbook and condolences available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.