Leo Beem

Leo David Beem age 88 of Holland, MI. died Friday April 8, 2016 at Appledorn Assisted Living Center.

Born in Stanton, MI. both Leo’s parents died when he was 11. His uncle Lloyd and aunt Hilda Lockwood of Battle Creek continued to care for him. As a teenager he got his civilian pilots license and graduated from Battle Creek Central. In 1945 Leo joined the Navy. He was assigned to the USS Samuel Chase and discharged as a Seaman 1st. Class.

In 1947 he married his sweetheart Elmira (Arnie) Arnold of Albion and together they moved to the Holland area.

For nine years Leo worked as a cabinet maker for Baker Furniture. In 1956 he co-owned with Bernie Lemmen Speedy Car Wash and Marathon Gas Station. After a few years he became sole owner and retired in 1988.

In the early 1950’s Leo and his wife joined First Baptist Church of Zeeland and were active in various Christian ministries. He was one of the founding members of C.E.F. (Child Evangelism Fellowship) of Ottawa Co.

Leo and his wife foster parented John Williams and also tried to adopt him.

Leo was preceded in death by his son Lon David Beem in 1978 as well as his wife Arnie in 2010.

He is survived by his daughter Jill (Bob) Gregory of Novato, CA., grandchildren; Shamrock Gregory, Erica (Chris) Rushing, step grandchildren; Robert Gregory Jr., Mary Gregory, Mike Gregory and Chris Gregory, step great grandson, Joshua Gregory and sisters-in-law, Mary Beem of Grand Rapids, and Dorothy Arnold of Escanaba, MI.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday 11:00AM at First Baptist Church of Zeeland, 246 West Main St., Zeeland with Rev. Tom Vanden Berg officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday 2-4PM and 7-9PM at the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave. Holland.

Memorial gifts may be given to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Ottawa Co.