Obituary of Den Beste

Bernard Lloyd Den Beste, the son of Jacob and Kate (Wilkens) Den Beste, was born on April 17, 1922 in Sheldon, Iowa. He attended country school at Carroll #6, completing the eighth grade. Bernard was drafted into the United States Army in January, 1945 and proudly served his country during WWII in the Philippines and Japan. He was honorably discharged in November, 1946. On February 26, 1948, Bernard was united in marriage to Ruth Muilenburg at the home of her parents. During their marriage, the couple resided on three different farms. They first farmed near Granville, IA for three years, then moved to the Archer area where they farmed for 21 years. When Bernard's parents passed away, and the farms were sold, he and Ruth moved to Melvin where they lived and farmed for 40 years. In 2012, Bernard and Ruth retired and moved to Sheldon. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in February of this year. Bernard passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD on August 10, 2013 at the age of 91. Bernard was an avid gardener and enjoyed making jams and jellies. He also used some of his old "army skills" to make the best cherry and pumpkin pies around. He liked going to farm sales where he could pick up a good "bargain" and socialize with the area farmers. He will always be remembered as a kind, gentle man. He cherished his children and grandchildren and was very proud of them and their accomplishments. Bernard is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth; children: Judi Reed of Coon Rapids, MN, Loren Den Beste of Melvin, and Brenda (Phil) Timmons of Hartley, IA; 3 grandchildren: Stephanie Reed of St. Paul, MN, Brad Timmons of Brookings, SD, and Bridget (Michael) Raveling of Harris, IA. Celebration of Life Bernard L. Den Beste Born ~ April 17, 1922 Died ~ August 10, 2013 Age ~ 91 years 3 months 23 Days Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 Sanborn Funeral Home Chapel Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. David Brower Organist ~ Judy Dykstra Soloist ~ Harriet Van Veldhuizen Special Music "Jesus Is Tenderly Calling Thee Home" "All The Way My Savior Leads Me" "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" Pallbearers Ken Wolthuizen Kevin Strenge Brad Timmons Mike Raveling Phil Timmons Stephanie Reed Military Graveside Rites Guthrie Post #470 Melvin, Iowa Interment Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa