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Cornelius Bekkering

November 7, 2021
Kalamazoo, MI

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Cornelius H. (Neil) Bekkering, 96, joined his heavenly home on Sunday, November 7, 2021, with his wife Sandie at his side, along with his beloved Peter Kat. Neil was born April 30, 1925, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of Cornelius (Casey) Bekkering and Tryntje (Veld) Bekkering. A World War II veteran, Neil joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and proudly served in the Philippines and China until 1946. A graduate of Kalamazoo Central, he joined his father's construction company and became a skilled carpenter. Later he joined Hoffman Construction Company as a traveling superintendent and then formed C. Bekkering Construction Company. Neil retired to Englewood, FL, to enjoy retirement in 2005. Neil and his wife Sandie recently returned to Kalamazoo in July 2021. Neil was preceded in death by his brother Herman, sisters Geraldine (Floyd) Edick, Grace (Wayne) Tanner, and Genevieve (Sam) Grisby. Surviving are his wife, Sandra; sons Ric (Michele) Bekkering of Byron Center, MI, William (Lisa) Bekkering of Three Rivers, MI; daughters Suzann (Bruce) Breuker of Byron Center, MI, and Rebecca (Ted) Muir of Leland, MI; seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. He was formerly a member of the Kalamazoo Elks, AMBUCS, Masonic Lodge #141 of Cooper Township, MI, and the American Legion Post 0113, Rotunda West, FL. Neil will be remembered as a successful man who worked and played hard. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, bocci ball, and poker. He will also be remembered for his natural love of the environment and animals, but most of all for his love of family and friends. A private internment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.