Henry Albert Beerbower Jr
Henry Albert Beerbower Jr
Henry Albert Beerbower Jr
February 5, 1970 – February 1, 2021
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 50
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Henry Albert Beerbower Jr., age 50, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on Thursday, February 5, 1970, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Henry A. Sr. and Judy (Atwood) Beerbower.
Henry attended East High School in Des Moines and graduated with the Class of 1988. Henry readied himself for his service in the military while still in high school as a J.R.O.T.C.
Upon graduation he joined the United States Army and completed his basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey. While in basic training, he led by example, and received Solider of the Month award. He served in Desert Storm as a Water Purification Specialist, stationed in both Somalia and Germany. Henry took great pride in serving his country and being a veteran of the United States Army. After receiving an honorable discharge, he moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa to be near family.
On April 17, 1999, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Katie Wisbrock, in Oskaloosa.
Henry was employed with Pella Corp for 25 years working in various plants throughout his career.
Henry’s passion for helping children was evident in everything he did. He was a former board member of the Foster and Adoptive Parents of Iowa, former Boy Scout Leader, and an encouraging coach and supporter of youth sports. He was a former member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a 4th Degree member of Knights of Columbus, as well as a member of the American Legion.
Henry was an active member of the Gateway Church and was involved in their Youth Program. Henry showed his devotion to God and the gospel daily through his actions and attitude. It was always his goal to help someone or make their day better with a simple smile, a “hello beautiful”, shared scripture or good-natured teasing. He was often the “go-to” guy when special attention was needed for a project. He was always a good sport about the special roles to be played, whether that was dressing up in a costume or filling in last minute. He had a heart for missions and enjoyed his mission trip to Peru to help share in faith. He looked forward to helping at Mahaska Drug and held dear playing Santa every year. Henry was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs, Tony Stewart, and Richard Petty fan.
Henry was a very giving and loving man. His family was the most important thing in Henry’s life. The unconditional love and support he showed his family extended to everyone in his life. He had a servant heart and lived to make the lives around him better.
His family includes his wife, Katie Beerbower of Oskaloosa; their 5 sons: Braden, Bryce, Brock, Daniel and Isaac Beerbower all of Oskaloosa; his mother, Judy Kracl of Fulton, Texas; his grandmother, Eleanor Dykes of Des Moines; his 2 sisters: Cary (& Thomas) Mathis of Fulton, TX, and Sherry Thomas of Oskaloosa; his mother and father-in-law, Karl and Mary Wisbrock of Oskaloosa; sisters-in-law, Kellie (& Jesse Yuran) Wisbrock of Centennial, Colorado and Megan (& Chad) Ches of University Park, Iowa; nieces and nephews: Tory (& Kristen) Mathis, Julia Thomas, Jordan Thomas, Nory Ches and Rhea Ches; 2 great nieces, Alexandria Johnston and Kayla Thomas; and a great nephew due in May; many half brothers and half sisters and their children.
Henry was preceded in death by his father, his stepfather, Jack Kracl and a special stepsister, Judy Kracl.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2021, at the Gateway Church of the Nazarene in Oskaloosa with Reverend Darren Melton and Reverend David Barner officiating.
Burial will take place at Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa.
Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W.
According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event.
The funeral will be posted to the Bates Funeral Chapel’s YouTube page for those unable to attend. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 beginning after 1:00 p.m. at the Bates Funeral Chapel. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the chapel to greet relatives and friends.
In honor of Henry’s love for Oskaloosa’s children and athletics we are encouraging others to join us in wearing Osky or Chief’s apparel.
Memorials may be made to Henry A. Beerbower Jr. memorial fund in care of Bank Iowa in Oskaloosa and Pella.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Henry Albert Beerbower Jr please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
