Arthur L. Begeman

ARTHUR "ART" L. BEGEMAN, 89 of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 at Munson Hospice House with his son at his side.
Art was born on June 16, 1925 in Lansing, MI to the late Leo "Pete" and Mabel (Newell) Begeman. On June 21, 1946 Art married the love of his life, Betty Jean Nye, in Lansing. Together they lovingly raised two wonderful children, Bonnie and Jim.
Art enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard at the age of 17. After serving his entire career in the National Guard, he retired in 1980 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Art and Betty moved from Lansing to Traverse City in 1981.
He was a devoted member of Traverse City Elks Lodge #323, was a Past President of the Board of Trustees for the lodge, and served on numerous committees over his nearly 30 years with the organization. He was a life member of: Walter French Masonic Lodge #557, Valley of Grand Rapids Scottish Rite, and the Elf Khurafeh Shriners. He was a former member of the Traverse City Eagles.
His favorite pastime was to spend time with family, friends from the lodge, and his neighbors from "the hood" while enjoying a cold beer (or two). Art loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He spent many years enjoying time at his cottage in Kalkaska County and socializing with friends at Dingman's Bar. Art was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers, during their highs, and their lows. He was also a fan of Michigan State, and enjoyed watching Spartan Football and Basketball, especially "March Madness". Art became a fan of the Spartan Marching Band while watching his granddaughter, Ann, perform for four years.
Art will be fondly remembered as a good friend to many, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His smile and kind soul will be remembered by all who knew him.
Surviving Art is his wife Betty of 68 years, daughter Bonnie (Stan) Simons of Traverse City, son James "Jim" Begeman of Traverse City, granddaughter Ann Marie (Blake) Holt of Holt, great granddaughter Erin Nicole Holt, sister Bonnie Smith and many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Art is preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Grace Begeman, granddaughter Amy Lynne Simons, and his very special mother-in-law Maxine Nye and her dog Tippy.
The family is especially thankful for the wonderful care that Art received from Thirlby Clinic, Bay Area Urology, and the Munson Hospice House.
An Elks memorial service celebrating Art's Life will take place at 3 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Traverse City Elks Lodge # 323. Military honors will also be performed by The Traverse City VFW Post #2780. On Saturday, Aug. 30, a brief service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Deepdale Memorial Gardens Chapel in Lansing, followed by his interment. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Munson Hospice House or to the Traverse City Elks Scholarship Fund. Please sign Art's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.