Ernest Beussink

Ernest H. Beussink, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the Missouri Veteran�s Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born March 13, 1928 in Leopold, Mo., son of Henry John and Mary VanDerMierden Beussink. He and Irene Rosena Wubker were married on July 1, 1950. He was drafted into military service shortly thereafter on November 22, 1950. He completed US Army basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. and joined Patton�s 2nd Armored Division in Germany patrolling the East German border. He was honorably discharged on September 13, 1952.He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for over 50 years and St. Mary�s Cathedral for more than 60 years. He served in many roles including the parish council. He was Boy Scout Master of Troop 1 for ten years and received the St. George Emblem on May 28th, 1972 by Rev. Justin D. Monaghan. He was also very involved with Notre Dame High School, where all of his children graduated, serving on several boards, the Home & School Association and the Booster Club. He was a life member of St. Vincent�s Council # 1111 of the Knights of Columbus and VFW Post 3838. He joined Schneider Equipment Company (now Baker Implement) in March of 1953. In 1978 he formed Mid America Power Equipment Inc. He was an advisor to Bolens Lawn Company and was awarded several international trips for his achievements. He was a charter member of the Men�s Garden Club of America and an advisor to the PayLine Construction Group of International Harvester. He helped form Cape County Bank of Cape Girardeau and served on the board for many years. In addition, through his work with 630 Development Park, was instrumental in the efforts to bring Dana Corporation and many other businesses to the area. Cape County Bank was eventually purchased by Regions Bank.Survivors include sons, Glen (Paulette) of Cape Girardeau, Donald (Sheila) of Iowa City, Iowa, Edwin (Judith) of Millstadt, Ill., Duane (Kari) of Cape Girardeau; daughter Elaine Webb of Luling, Texas; daughter-in-law, Donna Beussink of Cape Girardeau. Also surviving are his siblings Paul of Advance, Mo., Eugene of Cape Girardeau, Henry of Benton, Edward of Jackson, Norma MacAfee of McClure, Ill., Rosemary DeBrock of Oran, Mo. and Stanley of Marble Hill, Mo.; 15 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; a son, Kenneth; son-in-law, Tom B. Webb, III; grandson, Tom B. Webb, IV; and his parents.Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday, January 19, 2014 at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 1001 North Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Parish prayers will be at 7:00 PM followed by a Knights of Columbus Rosary. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 20, 2014 at Old St. Vincent Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery next to his wife of 58 years, Irene Rosena. Graveside military rites will be provided by Missouri Honors Team.Memorial contributions may be given to Notre Dame Regional High School or Southeast Hospice.

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Ernest Beussink

January 16, 2014