Jake Beenken

GRUNDY CENTER- Jake Beenken, 85, was born February 6, 1928 in rural Grundy County the son of Herman and Ubina Rosevink Beenken and passed away March 5 at home in Grundy Center. He attended country school in Palermo Township in Grundy County until the 8th grade. Jake farmed with his father until 1948 when he married Dorothy Janet Ritchey of Reinbeck on June 5, 1948. Jake and Dorothy farmed and milked cows in Palermo Township until 1979 when they moved to Grundy Center. Even though Jake was retired from farming, he continued helping Steve on the family farm, served with Dorothy as sexton of the Grundy Center Cemetery for 25 years, and did many other jobs including carpentry and working at area implement shops. Due to failing health, Jake had to give up working. Jake and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to many places but their favorite was wintering in Pea Ridge, Arkansas until 2010. Jake is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 64 years; children: Dennis Beenken of Grundy Center, Carol (Joe) Doerges of Spearfish, SD, Beverly Haman of Grundy Center, and Steven (Kate) Beenken of Grundy Center; six grandchildren: Bryan Beenken of Grundy Center, Kyle (Heather) Doerges of Spearfish, SD, Dawn (Charles III) Rivers of Longwood, FL, Trent Doerges of Omaha, NE, Sgt 1st Class Derick C. (Amanda) Haman stationed with the U.S. Army in Germany and currently serving in Afghanistan, and Justin (Whitnee) Beenken of Grundy Center; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Grace Harrenstein and Joann Garrett of Grundy Center; one brother, Lutjen G. "Sonny" (Beverly) Beenken of Grundy Center; sister-in-law, Alice Beenken of Grundy Center; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Elizabeth Zech, Jennie Van Deest, and Herman Beenken, Jr. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday at Richardson Funeral Service, 615 Main Street, Cedar Falls. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, and also for one hour prior to services Friday. Private interment will be held at the Reinbeck Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future donation.

Jake Beenken

February 6, 1928 - March 5, 2013