Gerald Beam

Gerry was born to Wilbur and Helen (Scott) Beam on August 6, 1937, in Danbury, IA on his maternal grandmother’s farm.  It was one of his favorite places in the world.  His family moved to Omaha, NE, where Gerry attended high school and graduated from Tech High in 1955.

 

After high school, Gerry began working as a carpenter for Harry V. Peterson Construction.  He worked with other companies, such as Aksarben, but always as a carpenter.  He eventually started his own company.  He was a master craftsman and was happy to share this gift with friends and family working on remodeling and constructing homes.

 

Gerry had a daughter, Jodee, from a previous marriage.  He met Marilyn Ferdig on a blind date set up by a friend.  They married on March 14, 1964 in Omaha.  They were blessed with three children in rapid succession:  ReNay in 1966, David in 1967, and Jeff in 1969.  They moved to Bennington in 1976 after their house in Omaha was struck by a tornado.

 

Gerry and Marilyn were baptized into Christ in 1967 by Leroy Davis.  Gerry served the Lord in many ways and was faithful in attending at the North Omaha, Fremont, and Southwest Omaha congregations.  He met and maintained many friendships from these congregations and enjoyed the fellowship.

 

Gerry enjoyed many activities.  He coached teams for his children and grandchildren.  He loved to watch NASCAR and was able to go to the Daytona 500 more than once.  He also was an avid Nebraska fan and attended football games when he could.

 

Gerry passed away at home in Bennington surrounded by family on Friday, December 15, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Judy McMullen; and a grandson Thomas Beam.  The family left to celebrate his memory are his wife of nearly 60 years, Marilyn; his four children Jodee (Larry) Wasco, ReNay (Mark) Derengowski, David (Robin) Beam, and Jeff Beam; his grandchildren Morgan Derengowski, Lauren (Logan) Wright, Garrett Derengowski, Seth Beam, Jack Beam, Kylie Beam, Cody (Kara) Siemek, Travis Siemek, and Carlee (Damon) McCollum; and his great-grandchildren Brody, Jack, Alivia, and Vivienne.

 

Family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, December 18, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the John A. Gentleman Mortuaries Chapel (14151 Pacific Street).  A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 19, at the Southwest Church of Christ (2600 South 124th Street) with Minister Scott Cate officiating.  Please honor Gerry with donations to Jochebed’s Hope, ENOA, Endless Journey Hospice, or the Bennington Fire Department.