Gerald Dale Van Beek

July 6, 1933 to August 4, 2016

A Celebration of Life

Today, we honor our amazing father, Gerald Dale Van Beek, who left this life to live forever with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 4, 2016. He was born July 6, 1933 in Inwood, Iowa to Peter and Nellie (Noteboom) Van Beek. His family moved from Iowa to New Jersey when he was 3 year old, and then to California.  At the age of 17 years, he publicly professed his faith and trust in Christ as his Lord and Savior. At the end of his freshman year in high school, the family moved to Illinois and he helped his dad work on their dairy farm. In November of 1952, he met Edie on a blind date; the date was a performance of the Robert Shaw Chorale at Wheaton College.  On January 30, 1954, they were married in Ossining, New York and traveled back to Illinois to live on the family's farm. In July 1954, they moved to Elgin, Illinois and he began working for Barrington Trucking. In September 1955, when they had just bought their first car, a 1955 Chevy, he received notification that he was being drafted into the Army. On December 7, 1955, he left for the Army and spent the first half of basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri and the second half at Fort Lewis, Washington.

On June 5, 1956, Pamela Sue was born in Elgin, Illinois while he was home on leave. One week later, the Army shipped him to Alaska where he was on the Alaska Ski Patrol and earned several medals in cross country skiing. In September 1956 Pam and Edie joined him in Alaska where he completed his two years of service to the military. They moved back to Illinois and he returned to work at Barrington Trucking. On March 21, 1958, Kenneth Jay was born, they bought their first home, and Jerry was promoted to Sales and then to Manager.  The family moved to Peoria, Illinois and on April 19, 1961, their third child, Peter James, was born.

In 1963, the family was transferred to Omaha, Nebraska for one year while Jerry developed a safety program and then transferred back to Elgin, Illinois. A year later, the family moved to Wheaton, Illinois where Jerry ran his safety business. In 1972 he became the Safety Director of Browning Ferris Industries and the family was transferred to Houston, Texas. In 1993, he retired from BFI and started his own consulting company, SACOM, Inc. with the help of his son, Kenneth. After closing that company in early 2000, he continued to provide additional contract case work for waste collection companies until 2012 when he finally really retired. He spent over 40 years in Professional Safety (Occupational and Transportation Safety), 17 years on the National Safety Council Board of Directors and 10 years on the Board of Trustees; he received the  Distinguished Service to Safety Award, was inducted into the Environmental Industry Association Hall of Fame and a received numerous safety and service to industry awards.

He enjoyed family gatherings at their home. He loved worshipping at Cypress Bible Church, as he and Edie had done as charter members together for over 40 years.  During that time he served as Deacon for 5 years, assembled bulletins with Edie and others for 15 years, taught adult Sunday school classes for several years, and participated on the fellowship committee. He loved being a church greeter for over 30 years. One of his favorite memories of his time at Cypress Bible Church was building the Chapel and seeing the church move into the new Chapel.  He enjoyed attending  weekly adult bible study classes and cherished 'get- togethers' with his Senior Saints group.  He enjoyed doing his yard work, riding on his John Deer Tractor, watching his Packers, Astros and good 'ole Westerns. He enjoyed in depth conversations about the Bible and Politics. He immersed himself in Bible study and books to learn how to live a Christ centered life. He was a proud American, a true patriot. He truly believed it was better to give than receive and enjoyed supporting multiple charitable organizations including Veterans Associations, Missions and Christian Education. He served on the exploratory/founding committee of what would become Cypress Christian School  (K-12) in Cypress, Texas. He and Edie held this school close to their hearts in their ongoing support of the school and it s mission.  Jerry was a faithful prayer warrior and a strong shoulder to lean on when needed. He always put the Lord first, others next and himself last. He continuously ministered to Edie, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. He was a loving husband and father, doting grandfather & great grandfather. He was truly a friend to all. Anyone who knew him appreciated his sense of humor and especially his gift of wit and kind sarcasm. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his sweet wife of 59 years, Edith Lorraine (Sherwood) Van Beek, his parents Peter and Nellie (Noteboom) Van Beek and his brother, Clifford Van Beek. He is survived by his children, Pam and husband John Van Rieg, and sons Kenneth and Pete and his wife Debbie. He was grandpa & Opah to his grandchildren, Jessica Gates and husband Rusty, Michelle Stanton and husband Brett and Brittany Van Beek. Along with Edie, they enjoyed attending the children's sporting events, Sunday programs and celebrations. Jerry was great grandpa to his two great grandsons Hudson Stanton and Oliver Gates. He is also survived by his brothers Roger Van Beek and wife Janice, Donald Van Beek, Verlyn Van Beek and wife, Mari Lou, his sister, Charlene Van Beek, his sister in law Mavis Van Beek, sister in law Marian Van Beek, his Aunt Dena Herrema and many, many nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins and second cousins.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all who supported him with prayers, calls, notes, cards, visits and other expressions of kindness. Thank you also to the staff at Baylor Oncology, Cy-Fair Cancer Center, Methodist Hospital Willowbrook ER and IMU and Vitas Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during his illness.

His desire was for people to love each other in spite of differences and he felt called to provide for those who were unable to provide for themselves. His prayer was that we would always have "room in the inn for Him" and would live a life filled with thanksgiving for God's greatest Gift to us and that we would share that Gift to others. Those of us left behind weren't ready to see him go, but his Lord and Savior wanted him to be with Him.  We picture his sweet wife Edie running with open arms to greet him at The Gates and walk with him to meet Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, friends may send memorial contributions to Cypress Christian School at 11123 Cypress N. Houston, Houston, Texas 77065, Wounded Warrior Project, Cary Christian Center, Cary, Mississippi or the charity of your choice.