Russel Warren Van Beek, 98, Longtime Aberdeen resident and former Equipment Operator for ITT Rayonier, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, at the Veteran’s Home in Lebanon, Oregon.
Russel was born on Oct. 25, 1925, near Westfield, North Dakota to John and Ella (Ryckman) Van Beek. He left North Dakota in 1937 when his family moved to Shelton, Washington where they resided for the next six years. They then moved to Aberdeen and lived in the surrounding Grays Harbor area where Russel lived with his wife Donna until moving to Lebanon, Oregon in 2014.
He attended schools in Shelton and in December 1943, joined the United States Army and was attached to the 124th Calvary Specialist Service, Mars Tack Force. They were stationed in Burma and India and he was part of Merrill’s Marauders on the Burma Road during WWII. He was Honorably Discharged in January 1946 and returned home.
On June 29, 1947, Russel married Donna Lee Cox in the First Baptist Church in Hoquiam, Washington. She passed away on Jan. 5, 2022.
Russel worked for ITT Rayonier for 45 years. He worked in various positions during his years at ITT Rayonier including Heavy Equipment Operator, Equipment Oiler, and Knife Sharpener. He retired in 1987.
Russel is survived by his children: Rex (Andrea) Van Beek of Yakima, Washington, Stanley Van Beek of Albany, Oregon and Vicky Van Beek Karr of Jacksonville, Florida; one sister Ruby (Charlie) McBride of Montesano, Washington; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by a grandson Zachary Karr as well as his parents John and Ella Van Beek of Aberdeen, Washington; a sister Helen Corey of Hoquiam, Washington and a brother Norman Van Beek of Clinton, Montana.
There will be a celebration of his life and recognition of his 99th Heavenly birthday on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home Chapel, Aberdeen, Washington. A reception will follow in Fern Hill’s Dorothy Mann Reception Hall.
A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
