Dr. Eugene Lester "Gene" Beenk

Dr. Eugene L. "Gene" Beenk, 88, of DeWitt, Iowa, died late Friday morning, April 23, 2021, at Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, Davenport.

He was born December 12, 1932, in Davenport to Lester and Helen (Lundvall) Beenk.  Gene and Jeanie Hong were married in 1955 in Merced, California, and would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in July.  Following graduation from Davenport High School, he received his Bachelor's Degree from Augustana College and his Master's, EdS and PhD from the University of Iowa.  Gene was also a certified master of Reiki and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).  He served in the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1958.  After finishing his PhD, Gene taught music in several area schools including Calamus, Wheatland, Grand Mound, Welton, Low Moor and DeWitt.  He then was in charge of classes for students with emotional and behavior disorders at North High School and Central High School in Davenport.

Gene was the very model of the modern life-long learner---an avid reader who brought together musical theory and performance, linguistic puzzles, his own brand of Zen philosophy, more than a few blazing letters to the editor, the occasional magic trick and a genuine kindness and interest in life that was hard to match.  He will be deeply missed.

He leaves his loving wife, Jeanie, children, Eric (Denise) Beenk of Grand Mound, Dan (Chan) Beenk of Calamus, Jody Beenk and her husband, Cris Mattison of Hong Kong and K.C. Beenk of LeClaire; grandchildren, Nina (Adam) Siegel, Elliott Beenk, Nyla Beenk, Joey Beenk, Harrison Beenk, Abbey Strong and Wyatt Mattison; a great-grandson, Wesley Siegel.

At Gene's request no visitation or service will be held.  Entombment will be held at Rock Island National Cemetery.  

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are in care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt.

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