Gloria M. Beekman – age 82, of Pocahontas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 31, 2020, at St. Luke's Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
Gloria Marie Nielsen was born on February 1, 1937, in Rolfe, Iowa. She was the daughter of J. P. and Mildred (Christensen) Nielsen. She grew up locally in and around Pocahontas County, catching the eye of her high school sweetheart, Robert Beekman. After Robert's military service in Korea, Gloria and Robert were united in marriage on February 16, 1958, in Rolfe. The couple raised four boys in the farm life, settling on the Beekman Family Farm near Pocahontas. Gloria lived the life of a farm wife, helping with the farming, putting her family before herself and being active in her church. Gloria and Robert also founded "Beekman's Specialty Homemade Ice Cream" which is still in operation today. Robert passed away in March of 2015 and Gloria continued to make her home on the farm.
Gloria was a member of the Faith Community Church. Gloria dedicated much of her life to being a caregiver for her family.
Survivors include her sons, Gregory (Cindy) Beekman of Humboldt; Dwight (Michelle) Beekman of Pocahontas; Douglas (Brandy) Beekman of Round Hill, VA and Joseph (Mindy) Beekman of Rochester, IA; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Gary (Sandra) Nielsen of Pocahontas and sisters, Judy (Marvin) Taylor of Pocahontas and Carolyn Sue Nielsen of Humboldt.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert and grandson, Matthew.