Henry Beezhold, Jr.

Henry “Hank” Beezhold Jr. of Crete, IL, passed away peacefully in his home on March 24, 2026 at 94 years of age.

He was born on February 17, 1932, to Henry and Dena Beezhold, the eighth of nine children. He grew up in Englewood near 72nd and Green Street in Chicago. Hank spent his days on the roads in an 18-wheeler with his arm out the window, whistling a happy tune, and making friends with everyone he met. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he spent many years as an elder, Cadet leader, and Bible Study leader at church. Summers were spent camping with the extended family, and later, enjoying weekends at Shady Shores Resort, Gun Lake, Michigan for over 40 years. In his later years, he worked at The Bible League, where he packed containers of Bibles for foreign lands, and prayed for the Word of God to be spread throughout the world. He had a passion for relief work and made many trips to do disaster relief with CRWRC. He loved to pray for those in need, as well as lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors whenever possible. He traveled the world with his beautiful bride and made memories that lasted him a long lifetime. He sang silly songs to his grandchildren, took them swimming, and delighted in making them laugh. He said “I love you” freely to those in his circle, and he meant it. He was a faithful friend. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years Adele (nee Niessink), son David (Dawn) Beezhold, daughters Cindy (Dan) Dernulc, Sharon VanDyke, and Lori (Neil) O’Dea. Grandchildren: Derrick (Bree) Beezhold, Amber (Alan) Myszkowski, Brandon Beezhold, Lauren (Chris) Patton, Lindsey (Scott) Garrigus, Christopher (Thalita) Dernulc, Colin Dernulc, Joshua VanDyke, Bryan VanDyke, Kara VanDyke, Kaden VanDyke, Madison (Jacob) Brockman, Zoe (Anthony) Hart, and Jackson O’Dea. Great Grandchildren: Lydia, Abram, Brooklyn, Jude, James, Sloane, Noah, Adella, Flora, and Baby Hart on the way. He was loved by many nieces and nephews.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dena Beezhold, and all his siblings and their spouses: Frank (Kay) Beezhold, Art (Jean) Beezhold, Harry (Dorothy) Beezhold, Don (Winnie) Beezhold, AnnaMae Beezhold, Dorothy (Mel) Brink (Rich) Schutt, Ruth (Bob) Harenberg, Joe (Judy) Beezhold, and Son-in-Law Dave VanDyke.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN.  

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 30th at Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church, 16566 Cottage Grove Ave., South Holland, IL with visitation at 10:00 am, and the funeral service at 11:00 am

A private family interment service will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens South - Oak Lawn, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Iliana Christian High School (https://www.illianachristian.org/) or 

The Bible League ( https://www.bibleleague.org/) in Hank‘s memory.