Gerald William Beeman

June 9, 1924 - February 3, 2018

Grand Rapids - Gerald William Beeman, 93, of Grawn, died Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Jerry was born on Monday, June 09, 1924 to the late Walter R. and Olive M. (Arnold) Beeman in Empire. He married Lois L. Bennett on December 7, 1947 in Traverse City. She preceded him in death February 27, 2015. A veteran of WW II, Jerry served in the U. S. Air Force. He was a POW in Germany for nine months and was awarded many medals, including the Purple Heart. Jerry had worked for Fisher Body in Lansing for 7 years, but he moved his family back to this area in 1959 to work with his dad at Beeman Excavating, which he later became owner and operated until his retirement. Jerry was a member of Central United Methodist Church, The Lions Club, VFW Cherryland Post 2780 and the Buttons and Bows Square Dance Club. He and Lois enjoyed spending 50 years in Ft. Myers, FL during the winter months. Jerry is survived by his children, Gary (Donna) Beeman and Rodney (Christine) Beeman; grandchildren, Tricia (Scott) Leesch, Tod (Jaime) Beeman, Robin (Matt) Keller, Jason (Michele) Beeman, Travis (Sara) Beeman, Walter (Mackenzie) Beeman, Rodney (Cathy) Beeman and great grandchildren, Abagail, Laruen, Brock, Ridge and Trent Beeman, Kyle Leesch, True and Olivia Beeman, Ava Keller, Brianna Leesch, Logan Keller, Gauge, Gracie, Wyatt, Tessa and Courtney, Parker, Travis and Colton Beeman; and sisters Maxine Olson and Nancy McRoberts. In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers Bert, Walter, Ed and Larry and sisters Ada, Joann, and Mary Elizabeth. Visitation for Jerry will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Grawn. Memorial contributions in Jerry's name may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or online at www.woundedwarriorsproject.org. Please share your memories and thoughts with Jerry's family by visiting his online tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for and served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.