David William Beenken

Passed away after a brief battle with cancer on May 4, 2020 surrounded by his family at Cedar Valley Hospice House.

David was born November 4, 1954, the 5th of 6 children of Donald and Regina (Duffy) Beenken. They resided in rural Buckingham where he grew up helping on the family farm and participating in 4-H. David graduated from North Tama High School in 1973 and went on to Hawkeye Technical College and graduated in Diesel Mechanics. He then went on to work at Knoop Implement in Traer as a mechanic and later to B&M Equipment in Reinbeck before returning to the family farm where he and his brother Jim raised hogs until 1996, and continued to raise cattle and crops until illness rendered him unable this spring.

He married Karyn Konicek on September 17, 1977 at Immaculate Conception in Clutier, Iowa and had two sons: Scott and Shawn.

David could always be counted on for an infectious smile and good humor, was never one to turn down a good card game and enjoyed his bowling league. He loved the farm and was a great mechanic, often doing repairs for many in the farming community. He was active in his church serving as board and choir members at Immaculate Conception, Blessing before its closing in 2006 and then at St. Paul in Traer. He served as a board member for many years on the Tama County Cattlemen’s Association and could be found operating their grill at numerous events. Most of all he loved fishing, especially “up North” on or around Pelican Lake in Minnesota.

David was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, son Scott (Stephanie) of Hudson, son Shawn (Mallory) of Adel and 4 grandchildren. Also survived by his siblings; Jim (Jeanne) of Buckingham, Marguerite (Allen) Hulme of Traer, Jean (Robert) Bellis of Fairbank, Janet (Kevin) McKenna of Storm Lake and Mary (Don) Coffin of West Des Moines, an Aunt Katherine “Kitty” Dolan of Waterloo also numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Due to COVID-19, the family will be available for a drive-through visitation from 11 AM-1PM Saturday May 9 at the Overton Funeral Home in Traer, well-wishers are welcome to pay your respects while remaining in your vehicle. A private memorial and graveside service will be held following. A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced as soon as the current pandemic situation is under control.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.