Edward “Eddie” Anthony Bekx, son of Marion and Riek (Van Den Hurk) Bekx, was born on February 28, 1958, in Estherville, Iowa. He passed away on August 26, 2024, at Lakeside Lutheran Home in Emmetsburg.
Eddie attended and graduated from Graettinger Community High School in 1977. He farmed with his parents for many years and continued working in agriculture after their retirement. In his later years, Eddie lived and worked alongside many friends at Horizons Unlimited in Emmetsburg.
In 1989, Eddie married Juanita Hines, and they were overjoyed to welcome their son, Tony, in 1994. Eddie was a loving parent, immensely dedicated to Tony, who lived with multiple mental and physical disabilities. They loved reading books, watching Barney, and playing on the floor together.
Eddie was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Graettinger. He had a passion for music, especially rock and roll, playing the accordion, and dancing. He enjoyed watching sports and was particularly fond of playing golf and pool with his friends.
Outgoing and friendly, Eddie enjoyed meeting new people. His infectious laugh spread joy everywhere he went, and his kindness and generosity will be remembered by all those who knew him.
Eddie is survived by his cousin Nori Van Den Hurk and her husband Mike Moran, their children Anika and Tess, and their granddaughter Annalee of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his cousins Theresa Bekx of Fulda, Minnesota, Lorraine and Doug Lohse of Windom, Minnesota, and Nancy Macgregor of Windom, Minnesota, and their families; his former wife Juanita; and numerous cousins in Wisconsin, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. He will be remembered by countless friends, both old and new.
Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Riek and Marion, and his son, Tony.
Eddie’s Eulogy
Good afternoon. I am Nori and Mike’s youngest daughter, Tess. On behalf of my family, I’d like to say a few words about Eddie.
In the past few days, we have received an outpouring of love from people who have known Eddie throughout his life. We’ve heard so many stories and little memories of a man who was a kind and gentle spirit, who loved to laugh, joke, and make friends. These stories have come from people who he inspired, the way he inspired us with his joy and kindness.
Edward “Eddie” Anthony Bekx was born on February 28, 1958, in Estherville, Iowa, to Dutch parents, Riek and Marion Bekx. Like many from our family, Eddie was raised on the farm and had a lifelong love of agriculture. Growing up, I remember Eddie always asking my dad how the farm was doing and when he could get back out there. Among his many childhood friends were the Wise and Koekenhoff families, his cousins Nancy, Theresa, and Lorraine, daughters of Harry and Ann Bekx, and his friend Jim Graettinger.
From his earliest years, Ed also loved music—any and every kind of music. As a kid, he took accordion lessons with David and Carl Koekenhoff. A natural performer, he enjoyed playing at nursing homes and was even featured on TV stations out of Fort Dodge and Mankato. Even as an adult, whenever he heard music his eyes lit up, as he started to dance and sing. He loved to entertain people, being silly and making us laugh.
As a young adult, Eddie loved hanging out with his buds, Bob, Darryl, John, and Mike, and they all enjoyed their annual canoe and camping trips down the Turkey River. He always enjoyed barbecuing with his friends at Horizons, he liked watching sports and was an avid golfer and pool player, and he loved Mountain Dew.
Eddie became a father when his son, Tony, was born in 1994. He was a hugely dedicated parent to Tony, who was the most important part of his life. Those of us who knew Tony knew that his life was not an easy one. He faced several mental and physical challenges, and we were deeply sad to lose him in his early 20s. Eddie cared for Tony’s unique needs, but they also had lots of fun together, cuddling, reading books, and watching TV.
Above all, Eddie was known as a kind and outgoing person who made friends wherever he went. Even as his dementia progressed, he retained his joy and ability to make people laugh. Ed spent the last years of his life at Lakeside Lutheran Home, where he loved to sit down and have a pop with the residents and staff. He was friends with everybody, and everyone, including the staff, loved having him around. At Lakeside, you could always find a picture of Ed smiling and laughing, bringing joy to everyone around him.
So, as we remember Eddie, let us remember his smile, his laughter. Let us follow his example and create our own happiness, maintaining our positivity throughout all the challenges we may face. Though today we grieve our own loss, we also know that he has been reunited with those he loved most. We hope he’s playing cards, dancing, and singing with Tony, Riek, Marion, and all those other loved ones who have passed before him. Thank you.
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