Edward W. Den Beste

Edward W. Den Beste, age 91, of Sibley, IA passed away peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2009 at the Country View Manor in Sibley. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, Sept. 3rd at First Reformed Church in Sibley, IA, with Rev. Gary Van Heukelom officiating. Burial will follow at Holman Township Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 2nd from 2:00 to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Edward Winnes Den Beste was born January 4, 1918 on a farm near Sheldon, Iowa, the son of Edward Sr. and Winnie (Kuiper) Den Beste. On December 18, 1942 Edward was united in marriage to the love of his life, Tracy Van Gelderen, and together they farmed near Sibley. He retired in 1982 and then moved to their home in Sibley. Edward enjoyed many years of fishing, traveling, walking, bike riding, church activities and fellowship; most of all visiting with his family, relatives, and friends. He was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sibley, where he served as Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School Superintendant. He also served as director at the Allendorf Elevator for 6 years. Edward will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who will be deeply missed by all. Edward is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Tracy DenBeste of Sibley, IA; two children, Edward E. (wife, Linda) Den Beste of Huxley, IA and Wanda (husband, Thomas) Nelson of West Des Moines, IA; five grandchildren, Edward Lyle (wife, Stacey) Den Beste of Atlantic, IA, Renee Den Beste of St. Louis, MO, Shana (husband, Lance) Frederick of Chicago, IL, Matthew Nelson of Pittsburgh, PA and Jessica Nelson of Chicago, IL; four great-grandchildren, McKenna Den Beste, Tate Den Beste, Roth Den Beste and Benjamin Frederick; one sister Ethel Mae Jurgens of Sibley, IA; one sister-in-law, Louis Gast of Torrance, CA, and many other extended family. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Winnie Den Beste; one sister, Gertrude Baas; three brothers, John Henry Den Beste, Marion Den Beste and Winnes DenBeste; and one half-brother, Clarence Kuiper. Blessed be his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: First Reformed Church of Sibley, where Edward was a lifetime member.