Bert Beeman

TRAVERSE CITY — Bert Raymond Beeman, 84, of Traverse City, died at home on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. Born on Oct. 14, 1925, in Empire, he was one of 10 children born to Walter and Olive (Arnold) Beeman. Bert attended Traverse City High School and left to serve in the United States Navy Air Corps during World War II. He married Arlene Louise (Sackett) on Jan. 5, 1947. He retired from Traverse City State Hospital (Electrical Maintenance Dept.) in 1984 after 30 years of employment.After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling in their motor home, many of their trips accompanied by close friends or family. They spent winters for several years in Florida and Texas, settling in Surprise, Ariz., for over 20 years. His hobbies there included woodworking, monitoring in the wood shop and water walking. He also enjoyed his several fishing trips to Canada. Bert was a member of Bayview Wesleyan Church since it's formation in 1950. Bert is survived by his wife, Arlene; three children, Carolyn (Ron) Graves, of Zachary, La., Joanne (Larry) Sparks, of Traverse City, and Duane (Geri-Ann Toski) Beeman, of Richmond Township; grandchildren, Heather (George) Bankston and Jacob (Christie) Graves, of Louisiana, Holly Jo Sparks, of Chapel Hill, N.C., Timothy Sparks, of Traverse City, Casey, Anna-Shea and Alissa Beeman, of Richmond Township; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Samantha Bankston and Emmaleigh Graves, of Louisiana, and Christian Heuer-Sparks, of Manistee. He is also survived by brothers, Gerald (Lois) Beeman and Walter Beeman, of Grawn; sisters, Ada Pierce, of Pensacola, Fla., Maxine (Gerald) Olson, of Traverse City, and Nancy McRoberts, of Commerce; and sister-in-law, Dorotha Beeman, of Dade City, Fla. Bert was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings in infancy; sister, Joan Beeman in childhood; brother, Edward Beeman, of Dade City, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Judy Beeman. Visitation for friends and family will take place today, Aug. 20, 2010, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at Bayview Wesleyan Church on Saturday at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Jack Steenbergh will preside. The family has arranged for a luncheon following the service and would be honored if friends would attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Bayview Wesleyan Church. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Bert Beeman

August 18, 2010