Ronald Gene Van Beek, 82, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City.
Services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Midtown Church in Rapid City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at the New Underwood Cemetery in New Underwood.
Ron was born on March 31, 1941 in Westfield, North Dakota to John and Florence (Heun) Van Beek. He grew up on the farm in Westfield and graduated from high school in .
God blessed Ron with many talents. Over the years he worked many jobs some of those being construction work, he ran heavy equipment with a road crew, worked on missiles, did carpentry, electrician and plumbing work, and worked for Uncle Milts for 20 years as a wheel alignment mechanic.
In 1996, Ron started the “Windmill Country Gospel Singers.” Along with his wife, Sharon and Doug Heck. From 1996 until 2007 the gospel team would do full church services in Rapid City, Fairburn, Sharps Corner, Dupree, and Cheyenne. During their services Ron and Doug preached, they would sing a few songs and play a few instrumental pieces. Ron would play the guitar, Sharon played the saxophone, and Doug would play the piano. The gospel team was fun and all joy.
Ron, along with Sharon preached for 14 years at the “Windmill Truckers Chapel.” Ron would preach the sermon and Sharon prayed for prayer requests. Sharon prayed for prayer requests and Ron would preach a sermon and extend an invitation to ask Jesus into their hearts to forgive them of their sins. This ministry was life touching and personal evangelism one on one. He and Sharon also did praise and worship services in many churches in Rapid City, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Utah. They also did prison ministry, nursing home services, and in-home bible study. Ron was a great musician and preacher.
He read through the Old Testament over 40 times, and the New Testament over 50 times. Ron knew the bible exceptionally well. You could ask him a question pertaining to it and most of the time he could tell you the book, the chapter, and the verse for your answer. Ron loved God with his whole heart, mind, and soul.
Ron enjoyed gardening, drives through the hills, walks in the park, vacations, western movies and comedies. But most of all Ron loved reading the bible three times a day and praying.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerry Van Beek and Darrell Van Beek; sister, Sharon Whittmeir; and son, Kelly Van Beek.
Ron leaves behind his wife, Sharon; sons, Gene (Jody) Van Beek, Dennis (Wendy) Van Beek, and Darrell (Mary) Van Beek; and seven grandchildren.
He was a loving and kind husband and Sharon will miss him greatly. It’s wonderful to know that he is in Heaven singing with the angels, praising God, and walking on the streets of gold. Praise GOD!
Friends may sign his online guestbook at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
