Kenneth Bernard "Kenny" Beimer

Kenneth Bernard "Kenny" Beimer, 92, of Fort Madison passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the West Point Care Center.

Born Nov. 5, 1932, in Fort Madison, to Stephen and Caroline (Merschman) Beimer, Kenny overcame polio as a young child, staying in isolation at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City for two months. His family received gas rations to visit him where they talked behind a glass window.

Kenny's first job was at Faeth's Cigar Store in Fort Madison, and then he later worked for Greenwald's Grocery Store. He graduated high school in 1950 from Catholic Central High School where he played basketball and grew 12 inches between his freshman and senior years! After serving two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Lee, Virginia, Kenny was honorably discharged as a corporal and returned home. Just weeks ago, Kenny was honored with a Quilt of Valor.

He married the love of his life, Cleta Hogan, on May 14, 1955. Cleta and Kenny went on a single date before deciding they would marry. They wrote to each other every day while he was away.

Together, they built a beautiful life and raised five children, Alan Beimer (Pam) of McCook Lake, South Dakota, Jacqueline Lumsden (Jim) of Fort Madison, Jennifer Beimer Houser (John) of Cedar Rapids, Jocelyn Beimer of Fort Madison, and Jeanna (Ian) Orton of West Point.

Kenny was a skilled plumber and co-owned a plumbing business with his brother, Steve, until his "retirement" in 1997, a term used loosely, as he never fully stepped away from lending a hand to friends and family. Kenny and Cleta were often found on their front porch talking with neighbors, eating ice cream with grandkids, and watching the world go by.

Their marriage was a testament to loyalty, faith, and service. Cleta passed away in March 2021. Kenny enjoyed morning coffee with the coffee guys, dressing up for Halloween, and playing cards. A master storyteller and joke teller, Kenny had a story for every occasion and a joke for every room; it didn't matter if you'd heard it once or multiple times; the delivery was always spot on. Alongside Cleta, Kenny served his community generously.

He was a longtime member of the Tri-State Rodeo Committee, the Aquinas God's Portion Day Committee, and was deeply involved in the Jaycees. Kenny also gave generously of himself, donating an incredible 18 gallons of blood over the years.

A devoted father and grandfather, Kenny rarely missed a game, dance recital, or school event. He was a passionate sports fan whose booming voice could often be heard offering his opinion to the referees! His support of every endeavor meant the world to his children and grandchildren.

Kenny is survived by his children and beloved grandchildren, Amy Beimer, Sierra Lumsden, Logan Lumsden, Emma Houser (Max Raykov), Madelyn (Braxton) Williams, and Milo Orton (Samantha Hoenig); and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Muston and Norah Lumsden. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Jo (Art) Pranger of Trumbull, CT; his brother, Leon Beimer of Fort Madison; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Cleta of 66 years, his parents, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends who felt like family. At last, they are reunited … and so on and so forth.

Per his wishes, cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory.

A visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 26, at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory.

A memorial Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Sacred Heart Church with Father Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Kenny's memory.

Online condolences to the Beimer family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at The West Point Care Center and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Kenny and family.