Peter A. Van Beek

Age 75, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2002 at his home, following a brief illness. Pete was born in Kimberly on September 14, 1926, son of the late Marinus and Nellie (Williams) Van Beek. On September 2, 1953, he married the former Patricia Gosz in Appleton; she preceded him in death in September of 1996. Pete was employed for over thirty years as a heavy equipment operator for the Village of Kimberly, and retired in 1984. He served his country on two occasions, first as a member of the United States Navy and later as a member of the United States Air Force. He was also a proud member of the William Verhagen Post #60 of the American Legion. Pete loved sports of all kinds, and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sporting events as well as other activities. He was also a former member of the KRA. Many will recall his longtime dedication to the athletic program at the Kimberly High School.

Pete is survived by a daughter: Mary Ann (Tim) Frank of Fond du Lac and their children Sara Storch and Nikki Frank; three sons: Tom (Jill) Van Beek of Menasha and their children Amy Van Beek and Mike Van Beek; John (Bambi) Van Beek of Kaukauna and their children Jeremy Van Beek, Elizabeth Van Beek, Adam Bellin, Ryan Bellin, and Abby Bellin; Bob (Patty) Van Beek of Hortonville and their children Peter Van Beek and Claire Van Beek; a brother: Richard (Gloria) Van Beek of Marietta, Georgia; two sisters: Frances “Sis” Kerkhof of Santa Rosa, California and Pauline (Ralph) Pleier of Kimberly; and five sisters-in-law: Donna (Bob) Steinwedel of Golden Valley, Minnesota; Louise Pate of Tucson, Arizona; Jody Gosz of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota; Salle Van Beek of Kimberly; and Katie Van Beek of Kimberly. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia, a son James, brothers John (Betty) Van Beek, Marty (Kay) Van Beek, and Ben Van Beek, a sister Mary Ann Gorman, brothers-in-law Wimp Kerkhof, Hank Gosz, Dick Gosz, and sisters-in-law Mary (Jim) Otto and Elaine Zeegers.

The funeral liturgy for Pete will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, September 5, 2002 at HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly with Fr. Dave Pleier officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 – 8 PM and again Thursday at the church from 11 AM until the hour of the services. There will be an American Legion visitation at the funeral home Wednesday at 7:15 PM followed by a parish prayer and scripture service at 7:30 PM.

Pete was a loving and devoted husband, dad, and granpda. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, but we are blessed to know that he and mom are together once again.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, Wisconsin 54136
920-788-6202