Richard "Dick" E. Beukema
January 11, 2014
Richard “Dick” Eugene Beukema, 72, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 11, 2014 of congestive heart failure. He was born September 16, 1941 to Richard J. and Ellen (Parker) Beukema in Colfax, Iowa.
Dick graduated from Mitchellville High School in 1960. He enjoyed farming with his mom, dad, and siblings, as well as running heavy equipment with Towers Grading and Land Improvement, driving semi for Ray Burris Truckline and GTL. He served in the US Army, being stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. On July 23, 1967, he married Marilyn Ruka of Goodell, Iowa. His two sons, Dean and Todd shared the farming road and trucking excitement. He was a member of the Mitchellville United Methodist Church and Oldfield Legion Post #155.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Mitchellville United Methodist Church, 200 2nd Street NW in Mitchellville, with burial to follow at Mitchellville Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hamilton’s Mitchellville Funeral Home, 303 Center Street in Mitchellville.
Due to his love for farming, please come in your farm clothes and enjoy a cup of coffee. Wear your favorite tractor shirt: green, yellow, red, or blue, the color is entirely up to you. Dale, his brother, saw to it that he made it to his weekly Tuesday morning coffee at the Mitchellville Co-op. Great memories were made after taking motorcycle trips with brothers, Harry and Tom and their families.
Richard left behind his wife, Marilyn; sons, Dean of Guthrie Center and Todd (Dawn) of Bondurant; mother, Ellen; brothers, Harry (Leticia) and Tom (Karen), both of Mitchellville, and Dale (Sally) of Bondurant; sisters, Pat (Frank) Rouse of Spencer and Nancy Beukema of Mitchellville; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary and Sheila Ruka of Belmond, IA and Lynn and Lorraine Ruka of Tuscon, AZ; grandchildren, Amber, Nick, and Josie Beukema, Lane Neitz, Madison (fiance, Matt Logan), Valerie, Brett, and Jill Beukema; great-grandson, Dakota; great-granddaughter, Journey; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; paternal grandparents, Pete and Vera Beukema; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Dora Parker; and aunts and uncles.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Mitchellville Fire Department. The great crew had been there several times in the last five years for all of Dick’s complications following his accident in 2008. Our wishes are that in lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Mitchellville Fire Department or Mitchellville United Methodist Church.
Condolences for the family may be offered online at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Roy (Mac) McConkey & Carol (McConkey) Martin
01/19/2014
We want to express our sympathies to all. We were kids together at that church. We have fond memories of the Ice Cream making parties at the farm in preparation of the Ice cream socials at the Church.
Mary & Larry Erickson
01/17/2014
Marilyn, You have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and your family in the days ahead.
Pastor Laurie
01/16/2014
Marilyn, Nick, and Amber, sorry to hear from Amber that Dick passed away. Enjoyed the time I was your pastor and the conversations Dick and I had. May God's peace be with you all as well as the rest of the family as you celebrate Dick's life and morn his loss. Remember that in God's love Dick's body may be laid to rest but Dick will remain with all of you.
Diane, Donna, and Delores
01/15/2014
Dear Marilyn, We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Know we are thinking of you and offer our prayers of comfort. God's love hold you and keep you, and may God's peace and the love of your friends and family surround you as you journey forward. We send our love.
Uncle Don & Aunt Vera
01/15/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time. Our hearts are flooded with memories of the happy times spent with all of you. What a great conversationalist Dick was - we remember his big heart, his love for his family, his enjoyment of farming, his dry sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye when he was pulling one over on you! We know your hearts are so heavy and we are asking the Lord to wrap His arms around you and give you His comfort and love to carry you through the days ahead. All our love, Uncle Don, Aunt Vera and family
Anna "Graham" Davis
01/14/2014
Marilyn and Family, so sorry for your loss. I graduated high school with Harry and Tish and knew the Beukema family well. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Craig A. Swartzbaugh
01/14/2014
My very best to Marilyn and family. He will always be remembered and his service to Mitchellville never forgotten. God Bless
Sheryl Six
01/13/2014
No one can replace a parent. Floyd & I knew Dean and has become a trusted friend. Life is short so enjoying it as you can with what you love doing. Our sympathy to Dick's family, especially Dean and his. Floyd & Sheryl Six
Nancy Cook
01/13/2014
Marilyn and Family, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
ML & Jerry Clark
01/13/2014
Marilyn and family, Sorry to hear of your lose and want you to know we are thinking about each of you. Peace be with you.
Janet Strickland
01/13/2014
Marilyn, Nick, and Amber,
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of you at this time. Please take the many, many memories you have, hold them close to your heart. This will help make each day easier.
Prayers from
Sam and Janet
Ken Eckert
01/13/2014
Marilyn & family,
I am thinking of you and wishing you peace and understanding.