John W. Beyke, age 74, of Celestine

John was born in Jasper, Indiana, on December 24, 1949, to Alois and Gertrude (Brames) Beyke.  He married Helen Verkamp on May 8, 1976, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, Indiana. 

He was a 1967 graduate of Dubois High School. He was a United States Army Veteran. John retired from UB Klem where he had worked for over 30 years.  He was a lifetime farmer, and after retirement he continued to work part time while also farming. He enjoyed working in the garden, woodworking to make items for his grandchildren, reminiscing about old stories and spending time with family and friends. 

He was a member of St. Celestine Catholic Church – St. Isidore Parish, St. Anthony American Legion #493, the Schnellville Conservation Club, Celestine Community Club, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. 

Surviving are his wife Helen Beyke, Celestine, IN, four children, Gina Beyke (Chris Book), Jasper, IN, Rachel (Tracy) Lampert, Jasper, IN, Aaron Beyke, Jasper, IN, Jan (Aaron) Schmitt, Jasper, IN, six grandchildren, Jack, Sam, and Charlotte Lampert and Jake, Jewel, and Kase Beyke, seven sisters, Betty Koch, Hamilton, OH, Lucy (David) Harrison, Dubois, IN, Jane (Felix) Kryzanowski, of Canada, Mary Brinkman, Huntingburg, IN, Margaret (Jim) Sander, Celestine, IN, Elaine (Harold) Betz, Celestine, IN, and Annie (Tony) Bettag, St. Peters, MO, a sister-in-law, Melinda Beyke, Celestine, IN, and many nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death are two brothers, Larry Beyke and Francis Beyke, who died in childhood, and two brothers-in-law, Tony Koch and Francis Brinkman. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for John W. Beyke will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at St. Celestine Catholic Church in Celestine, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  The American Legion Post #493 will conduct military graveside rites. A visitation will be held from 2:00 -8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana.  The parish will pray a rosary at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do an act of kindness in John’s name. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the St. Anthony American Legion Post #493 or to a favorite charity.