Events
Viewing
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2535 East Newcastle Drive, Sandy UtahTuesday Apr 9, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Funeral Service
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2535 East Newcastle Drive, Sandy UtahTuesday Apr 9, 2024 12:00 PM
Jan Willem “John” van der Beek was born in Oldebroek, the Netherlands, on October 14, 1936, to Hendrik Jan and Willemina, John returned home to our Heavenly Father on March 27, 2024. He was the second of eight children (Andries, Anton, Jan, Elbertus, Betsy, Tony and Gerry).
John had an adventurous spirit and at the tender age of 18 he left the Netherlands to travel the world. He eventually ended up in New Zealand where he married Carol Skipps, his eternal companion of almost 60 years. While in New Zealand, they had seven children before moving to Utah where he began working as a long-haul trucker for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was so proud of his work because he was able to deliver goods all over the country to those in need.
John had the gift of making everyone he met feel incredibly loved, most especially those who were less fortunate. He truly lived his life to serve others. He raised his children to love the Gospel as much as he did and left no doubt that his greatest desire was to be with his family for time and all eternity.
John was a loving husband and father and will be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, love for the Polynesian culture, motorcycles, and his dogs and homing pigeons. He had a special place in his heart for music, and just as he did with the Gospel, music was instilled into his family’s lives. John’s unique talent was the accordion, on which he was self-taught. It was a happy day when his family would hear him play.
John’s love for his family, friends and above all the Savior, is his legacy.
John is survived by his wife, Carol, his children Willemina Yospe (Jordan), Ralph van der Beek (Rebecca), Arlene Hawkins (Greg), Susette Afu (Kava), Jan Willem van der Beek (Danielle), Elbertus van der Beek (Rachel), Pauline Mili (Itula), along with 37 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and five of his siblings.
The celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel located at 2535 East Newcastle Drive, Sandy. A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., followed by funeral services from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. The graveside service will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy.
Funeral services will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed at the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/JahISj7NvbkSbB64sNuzCUpbG3XTalSkPpoD_n60ruHTf55MLdkyfbHsoal1rrWT.rWq5X_ksKd0rL7tA?startTime=1712683796000
Those wishing to view the graveside portion of the service can follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88244052771
Guestbook/Condolences
So very sad to hear of the passing of John such loving memories of our family time with our families when we all lived in Tokoroa NZ.
You will all have your memories which stay forever in your hearts.
Sending so much love from my family to you all.
Love you cousin Carol he’s gone but never forgotten xxx
Love and condolences to Carol and Family
Memories forever in my heart of a beautiful Man
Rest in love and peace John 🌹
Uncle Jon, you will be missed. Thank you for your kindness and love you always showed me and my family each time our paths crossed. To Aunty Carol and family, we send our condolences and pray that your memories will carry you on and bring you all peace.
Dear Carol and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. I often think of the time he lived in New Zealand, marrying you Carol and your children arriving. Also remember the wonderful time we had with you a number of years ago and the travelling across the US with Jan in the truck. Loved the times he would sing the old songs and play his accordion. Special times and lovely memories. Rest well Jan.
Sending my love to you all.
Ruth.
John was so well loved 🥰 my so many people, a humble and holy man of God. He will be missed as the patriarch of his family. His legacy will live on through them. He touched our lives with God’s love. RIP, John, we’ll see you again when Jesus comes. Family, we love ❤️ you and we are praying for you🤗🥰🌹❣️
Dear family,
My sincere condolences with the passing away of JanWillem. I hope you all find comfort in the Gospel and each other’s support and company.
Love always,
Ilse .
We are so sad to hear our brother-in-law / Uncle John has passed. We loved seeing you on your many visits to NZ over the years. Thinking of you Carol and our beautiful family in Utah. Sending you lots of love.
Arlene, I was so sad to hear of your Dad's passing. It is sad to lose a parent and from his obituary, he sounds like he was a fun Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless, Ronee
Many Sweet condolences to Carol and to all the Vanderbeek’s I have known them many years had many wonderful experiences with them. My heart and my spirit are with you and I ask our heavenly father to comfort you in this time Love you all more than you realize Hugs &kisses from the Rosenberg Bunch!!
I had a special place for your Dad in my heart. I only met him a few times, but that’s all it took to know he was a special person. He always seemed genuinely happy to see me.
Heaven has received an angel 💕
Dear Carol and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. I will never forget how he stopped by in Charlotte, NC to visit us in 1990. He is such a kind and humble man. I’m sorry 😢 Im not there to celebrate his life but please remember how much I love ❤️ your family. I have so much respect for this man of God.
My prayers, love and thoughts are with you all. Rest in love and peace Jon” “Manuia lau Malaga”. Alofaaga!🙏🙏🌺🌹🌹
I'm so very sorry to hear of Jon's passing. I will always remember him as the loving father of a great family whom he raise to be good people. May the Holy Spirit be with and comfort you through this difficult time.
We loved visiting with Jan at many family gatherings. Honest, hard-working, and kind, his innate goodness spoke volumes without saying a word. His devotion to God and family is a legacy that will live on forever.
Susette, I am so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose your parents. Love and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy, Bonnie
Sending all the family much love and thoughts for you very sad loss of such a wonderful man. I treasure the last time I saw John and Carol, which was Sky City, Auckland, New Zealand. I think it was 2015. I remember having an overwhelming feeling it was the last time I would see my dad's best friend. Sadly I was right. I love hearing the great stories my dad told of him and John and their escapades as young men. Memories are precious and I treasure the memories of John. Love always, Chris, Wayne, Marc and Cassidy.
So sorry to hear of the his passing. He has been a good and cheerful friend. My condolences to you and the family. You are a stalwart family, coming from good roots. I'm happy that your lives have touched ours for lifelong friendships in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dear Carol and Family - Our love and condolences to you and your precious family as you mourn the loss of your eternal friend and companion🙏🏻May you find comfort in knowing that you will be united again and may the sweet memories of many wonderful times together buoy you up and give you peace. Alofa tele atu ia oe ma le Aiga🙏🏻♥️♥️🙏🏻
Hi Carol and Family, Sending our love and condolences to you all at this time. Always have fond memories of dear John and you all in Tokoroa. He is at peace now and we will treasure the times past with him Much love Kevin and Peggy
So sorry for your loss cuz may the Lord bless you and your family. Love you all
Elbertus, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I will continue to pray for you and your family. it is so very difficult to loose a person that is so dear to us. No words can make it better.
Bless you AL- and all your family in the days, weeks & years to come. I pray you'll be able to find comfort and Joy among the many memories and tears
Nancy Waite.
Condolences, Carol to you and your family. May the Lord’s blessings be upon you all in this time of sadness and grief….Much love to you all…Again sorry for your loss…
I read the sad news, that Jan Willem passed away. We want you to know, that we are glad that we have known him as a very friendly and kind person. We have goed memories of hij and all of you.
God bless you all and I know that he is now in heaven with Jesus.
With live,
Janetta Kragt
God bless and rest in peace
So sad at the loss of your beloved John. I know what it feels like and can sympathize and relate to what you are going through. You have been blessed with a large and loving family who I'm sure will love and help you through this sad time.
I so remember John in the days when you lived in Tokoroa he was such a loving, friendly, and talkative guy who before you married said he would never become a Mormon. But your staunch faith in the church certainly changed his mind - it rubbed off on him. I respect and admire how your faith keeps you and your family strong.
You will meet up with him again in the resurrection, we all will. Can't wait for the Kingdom of God to come - the sooner the better!!
I love you sis xxx
My deepest condolences to Aunty Carol and family. Uncle John was the sweetest and loveliest man. Always nice and kind to everyone. Alofa Atu ❤️
Condolences, Carol to you and your family. Sending you all strength and love❤️
Dear Carol & Family,
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Great-uncle Jan-Willem left a lasting impression on me the few times I was lucky enough to meet him. A warm, loving and special man, fiercely loving towards his family. This legacy can be seen and sensed, even halfway across the world. We wish you a lot of strength and love in the period to come!
Love from the Netherlands,
Helmer van Mal & Marijn Groen
Dear family ❤️
Our sincere condolences with the passing away of JanWillem. Know that we are thinking about you all a lot.
We wish you all the strength and best in the world.
Love,
Sanne and Bram
Jan, It is with my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. Losing a parent is difficult. Know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Condolences
Chris
Brother van der Beek,
Thank you for welcoming me into your home, treating me as a family member, and allowing me to envelope myself in your family’s love and wondrous talents. Thank you for being so generous to a boy from Orangeville who had little to add to those family night performances and impromptu recitals and songs but his eager ear and a shared laugh now and then.
Thank you for introducing me to a deeper sense of family and the work that true talent demands.
I had neither context nor words in my youth to understand what I felt in your home or why, but my heart felt its absence. Thank you for allowing me to return again and again to that feeling. Thank you for always having room, and thank you for your example.
I am grateful for what occurred in your life that led you and your beautiful wife to Emery County and afforded me a friendship with Ralph and with all your exceptional children. I add my voice to theirs in celebrating your life, your departure, and the time we were given to share.
We just heard about Jan and our hearts ache for you. We have thought about your family often and loved when we spent time with you when we lived in Midvale. Mike was able to sing with your family a few times at church (even though he was not a member) and enjoyed the motorcycle ride he took with Jan. We lost touch with you when you moved and tried to find you but were unsuccessful. We are sending our love to you and your family, and Jan was a wonderful example of Jesus Christ and he was welcomed with open arms!
Dear Carol,
John’s obituary popped itself up on my cellphone just today. I did not know of his having slipped away until today. So I pray that you are as well as can be, adjusting to that time of walking thru life without the physical presence of your sweetheart of so many years.
Love you and grateful for all you and John did for Wananga and me.
Arohanui
Marama