Donald Victor Beetem, 78 of Taylorville formerly of Ortonville, MN and Fox Lake, IL passed away at 3:14 AM on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at his home.
He was born on September 8, 1936 at Revillo, SD the son of Thomas Francis and Hazel (Bruner) Beetem. He married Betty Lou Bernice Mauch on June 6, 1959 at Beardsley, MN.. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack Beetem and Robert Beetem.
In his early years Donald drove a cab in Grand Rapid City, SD. He later moved his family to Illinois and was employed as a painter at Great Lakes Naval Base for 23 years, retiring in 1997. He and Betty then moved to Ortonville, MN to be near his mother and care for her until her passing. Donald enjoyed his rose and flower gardens, as well as crafting wood projects for his family. He served as church trustee in Ingleside, IL and Ortonville, MN. He was a 1955 graduate of Revillo High School.
Survivors include: His wife, Betty Beetem of Taylorville, IL; Daughters, Dawn (Al) Clemente of Huntley, IL, Sue (Johnny) Wasion of Ocala, FL, Lola Beetem of Woodruff, WI and Tammie (Jerry) Criscione of Union, IL; Sons, Ronald Beetem of Wonder Lake, IL and Donald (Dana) Beetem of Taylorville, IL; 18 Grandchildren; 9 Great Grandchildren; Sister, Lois Lundberg of Alexandria, MN; Brother, Thomas Beetem of Rapid City, SD.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 27, 2015 at Evangelical Free Church in Taylorville with Pastor Donald Beetem and Pastor Jim Wolfe officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until time of service at the church.
Condolences to his family may be left at www.perfettifuneralhome.com
Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home in Taylorville is in charge of arrangements.
