Margaret Anna Van Beek, 97, of rural New Florence, died at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, December, 17, 2024 at Baptist Homes Tri-County in Vandalia.
Margaret Anna Van Beek was born December 1, 1927 in High Hill, to John Bernat and Caroline Meier. Margaret had a twin sister, Martha, who died shortly after birth. Margaret graduated from High Hill High School. She worked at the Farmer's Mercantile in High Hill. Margaret married Richard Francis Van Beek on December 2, 1950 at Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City. Together they farmed, raising cattle and hogs and delivered the Sunday paper for many years. Margaret retired from Handi Pac in Hermann in 1990. Margaret was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, K of C Women's Auxiliary, and past member of the Over Fifty Club and the New Florence Community Club. Margaret enjoyed genealogy and has many books on family history. She was an avid cross stitcher. Everyone in the family has a beautiful picture made especially for them.
Margaret had four children, Deborah Lou Ray and husband Mike of Vandalia; Richard John Van Beek and wife Marie of Baxter, Iowa; Michael Francis Van Beek of New Florence; Mark Stephen Van Beek and wife Jinny of Edmond, Okla. She had 10 grandchildren, Brian Van Beek and wife Shaina of Baxter, Iowa; Paul Van Beek of Baxter, Iowa; Stephen Van Beek and wife Megan of Baxter, Iowa; Elizabeth Van Beek of Fayette; Emily Van Beek of Fayette; James Van Beek of Fayette; Claire Dowling and husband Mark of Bozeman, Mont.; Michelle Callahan of Butte, Mont.; Rachel Williams and husband Adam of Valley Park; and Ashley Niemeyer and husband Ryan of Fenton. She had seven great-grandchildren, Rylee, Callie and Lexi Van Beek of Baxter, Iowa; Max Callahan of Butte, Mont.; Haven, Luke and Charlotte Niemeyer of Fenton.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Richard; brothers, Otto Bernat, Ernest Bernat, John Bernat, Henry Bernat; and sisters Caroline (Lena) Johnson, Mary Brandenburg and Martha Bernat.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on December 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City with Father Ernest Dike officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
A visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 10 a.m. on Dec. 20 until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Church, Immaculate Conception School or to the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
