Joseph Robert Beemster

Joe was born on November 11, 1941, in Roseland, Illinois, to Emma (De Haas) and Joseph Beemster. He grew up in the close-knit Roseland community, serving as an altar boy at St. Willibrord Parish. He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1958 and from DePaul University in 1962. Throughout his life, Joe took particular pride in having financed both his high school and college education by delivering early-morning newspapers—a reflection of the determination, discipline, and work ethic that would characterize him for the rest of his life.

In the summer of 1958, Joe met Judy Scheffers at a party. They fell in love and were married on September 7, 1963, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 63 years.

Joe built a long and successful career in health, safety, and loss-control services, working for several organizations, including Johnson & Johnson, GNB, and Willis Consulting. He was especially proud of his work to reduce occupational lead exposure and traveled to Japan and Australia in the course of that work.

Joe and Judy raised their family in Bolingbrook, Illinois and Bloomington, Minnesota. He embraced the outdoor life and was involved in his children’s activities, including ski racing and little league baseball. He was a devoted father, and he carried that same devotion into his years as a grandfather...Papa Joe.

Retirement gave Joe more time for the things he loved most. He and Judy traveled extensively throughout the world, and he especially enjoyed ski trips to Utah with family and friends. An avid cyclist, Joe logged thousands of miles on his bicycle and served for many years as president of the Wheeling Wheelmen, a community that brought him lasting friendships and countless miles of enjoyment.

Joe is survived by his wife, Judy (Scheffers); his son, David (Susan Strauss) Beemster of Park City, Utah; his daughter, Susan (Todd) Berlin; his beloved grandchildren, JJ McDonough Beemster, Katherine Berlin, and Ashley Berlin; his sister, Kaye (Rich) Frachey; his sister-in-law, Mary Celine Beemster; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Beemster.

Joe will be remembered for his determination, loyalty to family and friends, and his enthusiasm for a life well lived. Whether at work, on a bicycle, on a ski slope, traveling with Judy, or simply spending time with those closest to him, he brought energy and purpose to the things that mattered to him.

Visitation will be held at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, on August 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, on August 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.