Ivan Beernink

Ivan W. Beernink, 87, of 346 North Main Street, Cedar Grove, passed away on Wednesday evening, December 14, 2011 at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan. Ivan was born on May 19, 1924 in the Town of Holland, the son of Dirk Willis and Pieternella (Dirkse) Beernink. Ivan attended Oostburg High School and graduated from the Lakeshore Technical College Home Health Care Program. Ivan served in the US Army Air Force and participated in 32 European flying missions during World War II from 1943-45. On October 12, 1944 he married the late Muriel Wieberdink in Cedar Grove. Muriel preceded him in death on March 23, 1984. On June 8, 1985 Ivan married Edith DeRuyter in Cedar Grove. Ivan was a truck driver for over 30 years for Stokdyk Truck Lines. He then worked for the VNA as a home health technician from 1985-97. He also drove tour bus for Otte Bus Service. Ivan was a member of Faith Reformed Church in Cedar Grove and formerly of First Reformed Church. He served as an elder, deacon, choir member, usher, and longtime Sunday school teacher. Ivan served on the Pine Haven Board of Directors, Presbyterian Cemetery Board of Directors, and was a 60 year member of the American Legion Post #338 in Cedar Grove where he also served as past commander. Ivan was a 50 year member of the Pine Haven Men's Chorus, and served as a VNA Hospice Volunteer. Ivan was a people person and enjoyed visiting with his many friends. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, cards, going on motorcycle rides, cutting lawn, and fishing. One of the highlights in his life came this past April when he was chosen to attend the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington DC. Ivan is survived by his wife Edith; two daughters, Betsy (Dale) Theune of Cedar Grove, and Beverly (David) Helbling of East Troy; two sons, Gary (Judy) Beernink of Sheboygan Falls, and Wayne (Karen) Beernink of Cedar Grove; nine grandchildren, Sam, Naomi, and Abigail Helbling, Carla (friend Tim) Theune, Kyle (Casey) and Jason (Trish) Yost, Brian (Darcie) Beernink, Cindy (Ryan) Navis, and Jesse (Meranda) Beernink; 16 great grandchildren; a step daughter, Ione (Dan) Brill of Oostburg; a step son, Earl DeRuyter of Cedar Grove; a step daughter-in-law, Jane (John) Donald of Fredonia; four step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; two sisters, Marjorie Smies and Gloria TeStroete, both of Cedar Grove; six sisters-in-law, Lois (Wayne) Dulmes of Oostburg, Arlie Roerdink of Cedar Grove, LaVerne Wieberdink, Althea (Allan) VerVelde, Phyllis (Norm) Parrish, all of Oostburg, and Audrey Jacoby of Random Lake; four brothers-in-law, Gordon Wieberdink of Sheboygan Falls, Les (Arline) Wieberdink, Mark DeRuyter, both of Cedar Grove, and Ralph (Linda) DeRuyter of Berlin. Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Muriel; one sister, Carol (Irwin) TeRonde; one brother, Glenn Beernink; and one step son, Glenn DeRuyter. Funeral services to celebrate Ivan's life will be held at the Faith Reformed Church in Cedar Grove on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 10:30 am with the Revs. Earl Slotman and Wayne Tripp, and Jesse Beernink officiating. Military Honors will follow. A family service will precede at 10:15 am. Private burial will take place at the Presbyterian Cemetery in the Town of Holland. Relatives and friends may call at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 1-6 pm, and on Monday, at church, from 9:30 until the time of the service at 10:30 am. A memorial fund has been established in Ivan's name for the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, Pine Haven Christian Communities, and Faith Reformed Church. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Ivan's family with arrangements.Reception:Faith Reformed Church243 South Fourth StreetCedar Grove, WI 53013

Visitation

Sunday, December 18, 2011 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wenig Funeral Home - Oostburg
108 Center Ave. Oostburg 53070, United States

Visitation

Monday, December 19, 2011 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Faith Reformed Church
243 South Fourth Street Cedar Grove 53013, United States

Service

Monday, December 19, 2011 10:30 AM
Faith Reformed Church
243 South Fourth Street Cedar Grove 53013, United States