Beek Vander Beek

Lambert Gerrit “Beek” Vander Beek was born April 2, 1943, to Lambert and Marie (Branderhorst) Vander Beek in Genderen, the Netherlands. Lambert immigrated to the United States with his family at age 7. He attended school in Sully, and was a 1962 graduate of Pella Christian High School. He went on to attend barber college, that led to a 60 year career, working in Fairfield, Newton, Prairie City and Pella. Beek’s Barber Shop established in Prairie City in 1971.

On August 7, 1963, he was united in marriage to Karen Dahm. To this union they were blessed with three children:  Vicki, Doug and Jeff.

While living in Prairie City, Beek was a member of the First Reformed Church where he served as an elder. He also served as a councilman and mayor in Prairie City, and a lifetime member of the Lions Club. After moving to Pella, he became a member of Third Church where he was active in Sunday School and Pillars.

Cutting hair, golf and PET (Mobility Worldwide) were his passions. A highlight of Beek and Karen’s was a trip to Haiti to deliver PET carts. He loved spending time with his family and attending their activities and sports. Beek and Karen enjoyed many winters together in Arizona. He was a simple man, always willing to help others. Beek’s faith was always important to him, he enjoyed his coffee and morning devotions. Karen always teased Beek,”If you knew the road map like you know the Bible – we would never get lost!”

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Karen and their family:

Vicki and Mike Cowman, Pella

                    Josh (Chelsea) Cowman

                                         Lake, Harper, Maechen, Willow

                    Tyler (Whitney) Cowman

                                         Rhemy, Mack                                    

Doug and Rhonda Vander Beek, Prairie City

                    Alyssa (Bret) Grier

                                         Kenna, Jase

                    Drew (Anna) Vander Beek

                                         Lucy

Jeff Vander Beek  - deceased

                    Brynn Vander Beek

                    Jovi Vander Beek

Brother: Gerrit (Marcie) Vander Beek, Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Sisters: Maggie Wakeman, Holland, Michigan

             Ann (Hollis) Van Den Heuvel, What Cheer, Iowa

Beek was preceded in death by his parents Lambert and Marie Vander Beek, his son Jeff Vander Beek and his brother-in-law Lyman Wakeman.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.