Ernest Beussink

Ernest H. Beussink, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born March 13, 1928, in Leopold, Mo., son of Henry John and Mary VanDerMierden Beussink. He and Irene Rosena Wubker were married July 1, 1950.

Ernest was drafted into military service Nov. 22, 1950. He completed U.S. Army basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. He joined Patton's 2nd Armored Division in Germany, patrolling the East German border. He was honorably discharged Sept. 13, 1952.

He was a member of the chamber of commerce more than 50 years and St. Mary Cathedral more than 60 years. He served in many roles including the parish council.

Ernest was Boy Scout master of Troop 1 10 years and received the St. George Emblem on May 28, 1972, by the Rev. Justin D. Monaghan. He was also very involved with Notre Dame High School, where all his children graduated, serving on several boards, Home and School Association and Booster Club. He was a life member of St. Vincent's Council 1111 of the Knights of Columbus and VFW Post 3838.

He joined Schneider Equipment Co. (now Baker Implement) in March 1953. In 1978 he formed Mid America Power Equipment Inc. He was an adviser to Bolens Lawn Co. and was awarded several international trips for his achievements. He was a charter member of the Men's Garden Club of America and an adviser to PayLine Construction Group of International Harvester.

Ernest helped form Cape County Bank of Cape Girardeau and served on the board many years. In addition, through his work with 630 Development Park, he was instrumental in the efforts to bring Dana Corp. and many other businesses to the area. Cape County Bank was eventually purchased by Regions Bank.

Survivors include sons Glen (Paulette) of Cape Girardeau, Donald (Sheila) of Iowa City, Iowa, Edwin (Judith) of Millstadt, Ill., and Duane (Kari) of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Elaine Webb of Luling, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Donna Beussink of Cape Girardeau; siblings Paul of Advance, Mo., Eugene of Cape Girardeau, Henry of Benton, Mo., Edward of Jackson, Norma MacAfee of McClure, Ill., Rosemary DeBrock of Oran, Mo., and Stanley of Marble Hill, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; a son, Kenneth; a son-in-law, Tom B. Webb III; a grandson, Tom B. Webb IV; and his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery next to his wife of 58 years, Irene Rosena. Graveside military rites will be provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Notre Dame Regional High School or Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.