Garnet (Berghefer) Beenen

Surrounded by her sons, Garnet Esther (Berghefer) Beenen passed away peacefully at Newton Village on June 12, 2021, at the age of 98.

A hardworking Iowa girl, Garnet was born in Belmond, Iowa on December 30, 1922, the youngest of 6 children. After graduating from Belmond High School, she earned a teaching degree at Iowa State Teacher’s College, now UNI.  Garnet was a “bomb girl” at the munition plant in Ankeny during WWII.  Her career included teaching at a country school in Goldfield, in Clear Lake, and in Newton. She also served as librarian at the city library in Altoona. She especially enjoyed her years at Lincoln school in Newton, working in the library.

Garnet married Carroll Beenen in 1947 and celebrated over 60 years of adventures. Together they had 3 sons, lived in Latimer, Sioux City, Clear Lake, Newton, Altoona and Iowa City.  In retirement, they spent many winters in Texas, enjoying the warm weather and making lifelong friends.

Garnet was an active member of First Lutheran church, volunteering time and resources for decades.

Garnet is survived by sons Rick (Sharon) Beenen of Altoona, Kurt (Krista) Beenen of Cedar Rapids, grandchildren Brian, Angela, Matt, Joe and Paige as well as 3 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren, and her beloved nieces Barb, Sheila and Cyndy.  She was preceded in death by her husband Carroll and son Kelly Beenen.

Garnet will be lovingly remembered for her many quilts, her delicious homegrown and canned pears, and her love of playing/ winning at any card game.

Sincere thanks and many blessings to the thoughtful and kind caregivers at Newton Village and Hospice of the Midwest.

Visitation with family will be Thursday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorials to: Hospice of the Midwest 629 West Street S. Suite 100 Grinnell, Iowa.

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