Harold E. Beebe was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Harold will be remembered as a good husband, father and friend.
He was the son of Harry and Oleda (Zimmermann) Beebe. Harold grew up in the McHenry County area of northern Illinois.
Harold was raised with eight siblings. He had two sisters Dorthy and Marian, and six brothers Robert, Jerry, Larry, Gary, Allen and David. Harold was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.
As a young boy, Harold had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Harold was an active child who took part in high school football. In his spare time he liked caring for, riding, and showing horses. However, to Harold, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.
A typical teenager, Harold had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Marengo Community High School in 1948. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was gym and math. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Bertha Beanfang.
Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Harold enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Gene Anthony and Bill Becklinger.
On August 16, 1953 Harold exchanged wedding vows with Lilas Jean Lowe at First Baptist Church of Marengo, Illinois. Empathic and loyal, Harold was committed to making his new family happy.
Harold worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Harold was blessed with three children, two daughters Jan and Jo Ellen, one son Jack. Another blessing for Harold was the gift of four grandchildren, Jackie, Kimberly, Robin, and Sam.
Fortunately, Harold enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Harold worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was project engineer. He was employed for Arnold Engineering, Warner Electric and Swebco Manufacturing. Harold always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Harold was an Air Force veteran. He was in the 1st Radio Squadron and spent much of his military service stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. His fellow airmen viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.
Harold enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were photography and traveling. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Harold's faith was important to him. He was a member First Baptist Church of Marengo.
Harold enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. His favorite vacations included Europe, Italy and Israel.
When Harold's retirement finally arrived in 2001, he was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being closer to his family. Even in retirement, Harold continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.
Harold passed away on March 13, 2009 at O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Lilas, children: Jan (Richard) Whitsitt, Jo Ellen Martinson, Jack (Susan Mayer) Beebe, 4 grandchildren: Jackie (Jason) Dover, Kimberly Whitsitt, Robin Roesslein, Sam Beebe, 3 great grandchildren: Jillian, Jessica, and Joseph Dover, a sister Dorthy Becklinger, brothers: Jerry, Larry (Irene), Gary (Becky), Allen (Jackie), David (Sharon) Beebe. He is preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother in law Vernon and Marie Lowe, sister Marian Rasmussen, and a brother Robert Beebe. Services were held at First Baptist Church of Marengo. Harold was laid to rest in Marengo City Cemetery.
Simply stated, Harold was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Harold leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Harold Eugene Beebe.
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