CLARENCE ‘SLIM’ BEEM

Clarence “Slim” Beem, 89, of Falls City, formerly of Humboldt,  passed away at Community Medical Center in Falls City on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. He was born March 22, 1925 in Winterset, IA, to Clarence W. and Iva Gertrude (Weaver) Beem.  

He graduated from Winterset High School in 1942. On Jan. 10, 1946 Slim entered into active duty in the U.S. Army. He served overseas in Korea with the Military Police unit and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Slim was honorably discharged on June 25, 1947 from Camp Stoneman in California, returned home and married Frances (Spence) Duff. With this marriage he became dad to Kenny and Harriett.

Slim worked as a superintendent for a bridge construction company in Iowa and Nebraska. In 1956, he lost Frances to cancer. In 1958, Slim was united in marriage to Eunice (Harshbarger) Amos and became father to Dixie, Diane, Lyle and Becky. After retiring from construction, they moved to Bakersfield, CA, where Slim was an office manager for his son Kenny’s harvesting business.

The couple returned to Humboldt and Slim drove the bus for 20 years for Humboldt Public Schools. He loved the kids and driving the bus. Slim took great pride in being the speech team’s favorite driver and good luck charm. Eunice passed away from cancer in April of 1996.  

On Sept. 27, 1997 Slim was united in marriage to Jerry (Polak) Hayes in Humboldt, and became father to Gene, David, Keith, Susan and Mary Jo.

Slim loved to play cards. He enjoyed card clubs, showing his “skills” at pitch, cribbage, joker and any other card games. Slim enjoyed working in the yard, mowing and weed-eating, and taking care of the flowers. He was dearly loved, cherished and respected by all of his kids, grandkids and other family and friends who knew him. Slim will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jerry, of Falls City; sons, Kenny (Carolyn) Duff, of Bakersfield; Lyle (Denise) Amos, of Charleston, SC, Gene Hayes, of Chandler, AZ, Dave (Cheryl) Hayes, of Seward, Keith (Snooks) Hayes, of Falls City; daughters, Harriett Hergenrader, of Homer, Becky Gerdes of Humboldt, Diane (Chuck) ConCannon, of Washington, D.C., Susan (Lee) Alders, of Kansas City, MO, Mary Jo (Jim) Huettner, of Verdon; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; relatives; and friends.

Slim was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Frances and Eunice; brothers, Elzia and Eldon Beem; sister, Agatha Agan; daughter, Dixie Hager; grandson, Darrin Hager; and son-in-laws, Tim Hergenrader and Loren Gerdes.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, at The Faith Lutheran Church in Humboldt, with Rev. Matthew Mortenson officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.

Graveside Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Nebraska Army Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to The Richardson County Cancer Fund. Online messages of condolence can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com

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