Hank Beurskens' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Hank Beurskens, age 64 of Charleston, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 in the comfort of his home. In accordance with his wishes his earthly body will be cremated. Hank's family invites you to join them from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 23 at Roc's Blackfront located at 410 6th Street in Charleston for a time of celebration and fond remembrance. It is requested that memorial gifts in his honor be made to the Pathways Program or to Hedwig Haus of Hospitality which is a new shelter for women and children. Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. Hank was born on December 30, 1946 in Venlo, a city located in the Limburg province in the southeast Netherlands. He was a son of the late John and Heddy (Janssen) Beurskens. On February 1, 1975 he married Ellen V. Benedict and they shared twenty-five years of marriage prior to her death on September 1, 2000. He is survived by his four sons, Tony Beurskens of Asheville, North Carolina, Tim Beurskens and wife Mindy of Charleston, Pat Beurskens and wife Jenni of Seattle, Washington, Nick Beurskens of Springfield, Illinois; two granddaughters, Emma and Alli Beurskens of Charleston; his special friend, Jackie Frame and her family, two brothers and their families, Frank Beurskens and wife Jan of Buffalo, New York, John Beurskens and wife Cindy of Bloomington, Illinois; three sisters-in-law and their families, Cathy Beurskens of Charleston, Kay Wheeler of Charleston and Anne Pagliai and husband Paul of Charleston. In addition to his parents and wife Hank was preceded in death by a brother, Chris Beurskens. Hank was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Industrial Arts. For many years he has been employed by the Coles County Health Department as Maintenance Supervisor. As the owner of Beurskens Woodworking he was able to spend hours doing what he truly enjoyed. His shop was his pride and joy and his woodworking skills were flawless as is evident in the furnishings he created for the County as well as for several area churches. Hank enjoyed being with people and especially his close friends. They often gathered as members of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388 or at the shop where it was always ""5:00 somewhere"". He loved his family and was supportive of his sons and their activities - he was known to be their biggest fan at their various sporting events. Hank had a soft spot in his heart for his granddaughters, Emma and Alli and always enjoyed their visits. He also enjoyed the many good times shared with Jackie, his special friend and companion who has been there for him these past seven years. Hank's free spirited presence will be missed in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
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