Dorothy Janet Beenken

GRUNDY CENTER — Dorothy Janet Beenken, 94, of Grundy Center, passed away August 21, 2024, at her home. 

A celebration of Life service will take place at a later date.

Dorothy was born on Aug. 5, 1930, in Reinbeck,, the daughter of James and Ida (Sweerin) Ritchey.  She was raised in Reinbeck and graduated with the class of 1948.  On June 5, 1948, she was united in marriage to Jake Beenken whom she had met at the local roller skating rink.  

The couple raised four children and farmed near Holland until 1979 when they moved to Grundy Center.  She and Jake served as sextons of the Grundy Center Cemetery for 25 years and Dorothy also worked at Plastronics and sorted corn for Pioneer.  She was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved attending their events. 

She and Jake enjoyed traveling to many places but their favorite was wintering in Pea Ridge, Arkansas.  Dorothy was known for her candy making skills, loving jig saw puzzles, crocheting, and rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes (and Cyclones when they weren't playing Iowa). 

Dorothy is survived by her children:  Dennis Beenken and Steven (Kate) Beenken of Grundy Center and Carol (Joe) Doerges of Spearfish, South Dakota, five grandchildren - Justin (Whitnee) Beenken Dawn (Charles III) Rivers, Derick (Amanda) Haman, Kyle (Heather) Doerges and Trent Doerges; and eight great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband Jake (2013), daughter Beverly (2016), grandson Bryan (2021), her parents and three sisters - Lavonne Schroeder, Marguerite Dreier, and Audrey Schneider. 

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future donation. Online condolences at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.