Obituary of Wendal Wayne Beem

Wendal Wayne Beem 88, of Beach Park, IL passed away on September 29, 2021. He was born on November 15, 1932 in Zion, IL. Wayne Graduated from Zion Benton Township High School and Engineering School. He married Jane Engels on November 29, 1952 in Zion, IL. He was a member of Christ Community Church where he proudly sang in the choir, participated in Zion concert bands, and Zion Passion Play. He played various roles as a disciple as well as being a general manager of the play for more than twenty years. Wayne also had a part in church youth activities and Camp Zion. He retired from Outboard Marine Corporation after 37 year and served eight years in the Naval Air Reserve. Wayne dearly loved his family hosting many memorable family gatherings. He enjoyed travel, having visited 48 of the 50 states, more than 20 countries, and several passion plays including the great Oberammergau Passion Play in Germany. Wayne leaves behind his loving wife Jane Beem, children; Gregory (Cindy) Beem, Timothy (Sandra) Beem, Pamela (Paul) Gustafson, Angela (David) Ashmore, grandchildren; Katie (Ben) Osborne, Allison (Cameron) Shanteau, Kara (Matt) Melchiorre, Eric (Christi) Beem, Janel (Soren) Rehn, Michael Beem, Kristen Gustafson, Craig (Sarah) Gustafson, Lauren (Adam) Palmer, Tiffani Ashmore, Mark (Jamie) Ashmore, Bethani (Zac) Alderks, twenty-three great-grandchildren, many dear nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Esther Beem; brother Bernard Beem; sisters Margueritte Brock and Darlene Hammond; granddaughter Erin Ashmore. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Camp Zion or Zion Passion Play. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Community Church located at 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr, Zion, IL 60099. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL.