Bill Beeks, age 65 of Washburn, ND died Thursday, August 3, 2006 near Falkirk, ND from injuries sustained in an airplane accident.

Funeral Services:10:30 AM Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006;
First Lutheran Church - Washburn, ND;
Rev. Erik Johnson, Officiating;

Interment: Riverview Cemetery - Washburn, ND;

Visitation: 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM Monday at Goetz Funeral Home in Washburn.
Tuesday, one hour prior to time of service at the church.

William A. Beeks was born January 21, 1941 at Bismarck, ND the son to Clifford and Irene (Leupp) Beeks. He attended elementary school in Washburn and graduated from Washburn High School in 1959. Bill continued his education at the University of North Dakota and graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts. He taught Industrial Arts at schools in Plummer, MN, Flint, MI, and Minneapolis, MN and at the same time worked as an airplane flight instructor. Bill returned to Washburn to assist his father with the family business, Central Flying Service. He worked as a flight instructor, aircraft mechanic, aircraft inspector, and crop sprayer. He married Mary Ann Guenthner on July 26, 1969 in Underwood and together they raised one daughter, Lara Ann. Bill served as manager of the Washburn Airport for many years, and was well known around the area for his aviation services. Bill was active in many organizations, which include the Washburn Civic Club, the Washburn Fire Department, the Washburn Airport Authority, the District 8 Republican Party, the Washburn Lions Club, and the Bismarck Squadron Civil Air Patrol. He was a member of the North Dakota Aviation Council and served as a past-President. Bill was recently elected President of the Riverview Cemetery Association and Treasurer of the Washburn Airport Authority. He was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Washburn where he served as a past-President and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Beeks of Washburn; daughter, Lara Beeks of Denver, CO; three brothers, Paul (Janet) Beeks of Twin Falls, ID, Clifford Jr. (Bernita) Beeks of Chillicothe, OH, & Donald (Anita) Beeks of Wichita Falls, TX; Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Clifford & Irene Beeks) & two infant sisters (Claudine & Eileen Beeks).