Reverend Dennis Eugene Van Beek

1943 - 2024

Reverend Dennis Eugene Van Beek

October 1, 1943 - November 23, 2024

With hope in the Resurrection, we commend to the Lord, Reverend Dennis Eugene Van Beek who died on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the age of 81.

Born on October 1, 1943, in West Bend, Wisconsin. Father began his priestly formation at Saint Francis Minor Seminary in St. Francis from 1957 1961, De Sales Preparatory Seminary in St. Francis from 1961 1962 and Saint Francis Major Seminary in St. Francis from 1962 1969. Father was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1969, by the Most Reverend William E. Cousins at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee.

Father Van Beek was first assigned Associate Pastor on June 17, 1969 at St. Roman Parish in Milwaukee. He was appointed Faculty on January 1, 1973, at Messmer High School in Milwaukee. On June 18, 1974, he was assigned as Associate Pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Milwaukee. Father was appointed to St. Mary Parish in Port Washington on September 13, 1977, as Associate Pastor. On January 1, 1982, he was appointed Chaplain at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Port Washington. He was assigned as Pastor on October 9, 1984, at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in North Fond du Lac. On July 17, 1990, Father was appointed Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Waterford. On August 28, 1995, Father was selected Dean of District 3. He was appointed Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Plymouth on August 10, 1999. On June 17, 2008, Father was also appointed Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Elkhart Lake while remaining Past at St. John the Baptist Parish in Plymouth. He retired from active ministry on June 30, 2012.

He is survived by his sister, Sr. Joan Marie Van Beek SSND, nephew, Michael Van Beek, and nieces, Cheryl Schrauth, Linda Nickel, Laurie Block, and Kim Volm.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Cecilia (Matenaer) Van Beek, brother Robert and sister-in-law, Ruth (Plzak).

A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Van Beek will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Parish, 115 Plymouth St., Plymouth on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 12 noon. Priest friends and former colleagues are invited to concelebrate; please bring an alb and white stole. Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Parish on Thursday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass. A private burial will be held in West Bend.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Father Dennis Van Beek's name.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.