Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1932
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
John Beekman Obituary
October 14, 1932 - March 17, 2025
A Celebration of Life for John Beekman will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Fillenwarth Beach Lobby in Okoboji, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of John can be given to Lakes Regional Hospice.
John Charles Beekman, the son of Clarice (Stark) and Ross Beekman, was born October 14, 1932, in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended Oklahoma State University on a golf scholarship and continued his education at Morningside College and the University of Iowa Law School.
On July 28, 1956, he was married to Mary Anne Van Oosterhout in Wilmette, Illinois. The couple lived in a variety of places over the years, including Iowa City, Waterloo, Merrill, Spirit Lake, Sun City, Arizona, and ultimately in Okoboji, Iowa in 1990. Throughout his life, John was an entrepreneur, cattle rancher, attorney and retired as the Plymouth County Attorney and magistrate judge.
Once you met John, you were no longer a stranger. He had many interests and passions throughout his life. Whether it was pottery, being a pilot, scuba diving, skiing, playing tennis, tying fishing jigs or raising horses, John was always 100% in, eager to learn and enjoy. While John's first love was his wife and family, John's second love was golf. He spent countless hours hitting balls, almost to the day he died. John also loved a good cup of coffee, a nice red wine and a good craft cocktail!
John passed away March 17, 2025, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Per John's wishes, his body was donated to the Mayo Clinic for the purpose of research.
John is survived by his wife, Mary Beekman; children, Barb (Carl) Scoles, Lisa (Rick) Kraus, Dirk (Rebecca) Beekman, Dan (Lisa) Beekman and Bill Beekman; grandchildren, April (Mike) Ramsey, Amy (Ryan) Strempke, Brett (Brittany) Kraus, Tad (Brenda) Beekman, Ellie Beekman, Cody Beekman, Trevor Beekman, Eloise Beekman and Arlo Beekman; great-grandchildren, Dylan Ramsey, Liam Ramsey, Iyla Strempke, Ollie Kraus (and one on the way).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Clarice Beekman.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home
1302 Hill Ave.
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
712-336-2575
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Beekman
Sponsored by Turner Jenness Family Funeral Home - Spirit Lake.
1 Entry
Linda Gaul
March 25, 2025
So very sorry. John & my parents were friends. He was my Dad's atty also.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in John Beekman's name
Memorial Events
for John Beekman
Funeral services provided by:
Turner Jenness Family Funeral Home - Spirit Lake1302 Hill Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Beekman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
