John van der Beek Obituary

Father Van Der Beek taught me so much about life. He was calm, patient, and kind. He was very spiritual and yet also human. His homilies were rich with insight and relevance. Knowing him was one of God’s greatest gifts to me.

I was privileged to have had the opportunity of serving as an altar boy for Father John at St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Oak Lawn, IL. One of my fondest memories of him was as an answer to a question I posed to him. I had asked my sixth grade teacher, Sr. Mary Rosa, RSM, how priests went to confession. She replied that it would be a good question for Father on Sunday. It just so happened Father John and I were scheduled for the same Mass. In the Sacristy, I took the opportunity to ask him my question. He answered (in what I came to learn with his great humor): "Aw, they look in the mirror."
Eternal rest grant unto you Father John, and may light perpetual shine upon you. Thank you for your mentorship and friendship.
Mike Strranz

John was a good man who understood human weaknesses and therefore a good counselor and chaplain who served the Lewis University community well for many years. He was also his own person with his unique style. He knew how to serve and was loved for that trait.

Bedankt Ome Jo, voor alles wat u voor ons betekend hebt.
Thanks Father John, for everything you have meant for us.
Rest in Peace.
Ben,Riekie+ Hendriks

John van der Beek was the last of the original priests to serve St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Oak Lawn, which was founded in 1957. Father was a priest's priest. I cannot pay him a finer tribute than that. Also, he was fun to serve Mass for back in the old days. Lightning fast (God help you if you "knelt" in his path!) yet totally reverent.

I was so blessed to have Father John in my life. I am pleased to call him counselor, priest, and friend.

Rest in Peace dear Father John. You were an advisor, motivator, compassionate example, and friend to so many in your life. Unable to attend the service in person, I will be present in spirit! I know you'll be taking in some "holy water" with Dad and the "boys" now together in God's arms! You watched and assisted many of us grow from baptism to marriage and beyond! Now may you find the comfort of God's great resting place.
Rest well and bless us from on high!

Judy Kaufmann (Lecuyer) (Orion, Ben, Sarah)

Informed today that our best friend John van der Beek of the family is deceased's , I know him since my birth, my parents took care of his father, and my mother is very sad because the last years there was little contact. Hope he has some great years. He also baptized our children, we were always very happy when he came to visit us in Nijmegen, and my mother in Chicago has some nice weeks spent with him.
John rest in peace. Conny Hendriks Boeijen, Herman and Ria, Robben Hendriks, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

I am very sad to hear of Father John's passing. However, I am so grateful to have known Father John. He was very special to many of us as students at Lewis University. I am honored to have had him perform my wedding ceremony, and will hold him in my heart always

Father van der Beek was a very dear friend to our family. He certainly was a big influence in our lives. We have lost a great man of God and good friend. Our prayers are with you.
The Hawking-Kelly family

So sad to hear of the death of Father van der Beek. He was a huge influence in my returning to the church after a long absence. He had a positive attitude and a great sense of humor - plus he looked like Victor Borga! If he had ever "punctuated" his sentences I would have been rolling in the aisle! I have included him in our prayer link here at St. George Church. The church has lost a great priest. Mike and Joan Lind (Bourbonnais, IL)

May this wonderful, gifted priest rest in the peace of the Lord. His common sense and sense of humor made him a joy to all who knew him. He never hesitated to give himself wholeheartedly to the parishioners of St. John Parish where he was a friend to all.

Deepest sympathy at this time. Fr. John was a friend when he was at St. John Church in Glenwood, Il.
Fred & JoAnn Jacobi
Bourbonnais, Illinois

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.