Edwin Orville Beals

Billy Lewis (Eddie) was born in the mountains of Kentucky, near Cutshin, to Chris Lewis and Mae Kilburn. He was very sickly, and because his parents were so poor, they couldn’t take care of him, and so he was brought to the Christian Workers at Yeaddiss for possible adoption. Subsequently, he was adopted by Rev. Richard and Mildred Beals from Minnesota and given the name, Edwin Orville Beals.

Eddie was so thankful and happy to share his adoption story with anyone who would listen. He always said he was adopted twice, once by the Beals and then at age 7 by his Lord Jesus Christ when he accepted him as his personal Savior and became God’s child at a Tent Meeting Evangelistic Service in St. Louis Park, MN.

Ed grew up with his sister Bonnie, who as a young child was also given up for adoption. Ed and Bonnie had the same birth parents, and years later, made the trip to Kentucky and met many of their birth siblings and relatives. He has kept in touch and visited several over the years and this has been a large blessing to him.

Ed attended school in Hopkins, MN, and graduated in 1968. After high school he studied printing and worked in a printing company, a computer company, and for 20 years was a commercial truck driver.

Ed married Janet Bergerud on January 20, 1973. To this union, two daughters were born; Jennifer Tennyson (St. Cloud, MN), and Debra Huberty (Blaine, MN). He was always so thankful and proud to be a husband and eventually, a father. Grandfather, and just recently, a Great Grandfather. His 10 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters have an amazing Christian heritage thru Ed and Jan and their ancestors.

Ed was a natural athlete. He especially loved hockey, baseball, really any sport involving a ball. Last summer, he returned to golf by joining an “old Man’s” golf league.

His cars were always immaculate. Details were important to Ed; a character trait he acquired from his parents and his very organized wife, Jan.

People were what gave him energy. Up until about a month ago, he spent many hours a week having coffee and chatting with his numerous friends in the area. He would have no problem visiting with a total stranger, and after several minutes, they would have heard about his wife, his family, his adoption, and his love of the Lord Jesus.

If church was open, he was there. He had ushered, been a Deacon, sang in the choir, and welcomed anyone coming into church. As a high school student, he taught Sunday School.

The last 7 years found him doing a lot of traveling to destinations of Niagara Falls, the states of Washington, Oregon, Florida, and Alabama, Israel, Brazil, Canada, and many trips between Wisconsin and Minnesota. He so enjoyed seeing the wonders of God’s creation.

Edwin is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Tennyson and Debra (Todd) Huberty, his sister, Bonnie (Lloyd) Johnson, half brother, Donald (RoseLee) Kilburn, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many extended family members, cousins, and countless friends.

Ed was preceded to heaven by his wife, his grandson, Ben Huberty, his parents and grandparents, his sister, Marlene, other Kilburn and Lewis siblings, and many aunts and uncles.

Ed loved reading his Bible, singing hymns, and sharing his faith. His greatest prayer is that one day he would be reunited with all his friends and family in Heaven. Rarely was there a conversation we had where the salvation of his family and friends wasn’t a focus.

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

I will miss my Lil’ Bro so much, but as I told him in the last conversation we had, “This isn’t goodbye.. it’s just see you later!”

Funeral Service 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Fourth Baptist Church, 900 Forestview Lane N., Plymouth with visitation 1 hour prior. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, Minneapolis.