David Beetstra passed away June 12, 2015, at his home in Harvard, Ill..
He was born Jan. 21, 1953, in Harvard, Ill., to William and Patricia (Fredrick) Beetstra.
David grew up on the family dairy farm. He was an avid sports fan, especially of his beloved Packers.
David’s farm career was cut short at 15, following a motorcycle accident. David learned the game of Pinochle from his parents. He enjoyed the game and became an excellent player. He would meet with Uncle Leonard, Cousin John and Maury to play cards two to three times a week.
He graduated in 1972 from Big Foot High School then attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree. He played for the newly formed wheelchair athletic program at UW-Whitewater where he proved to be an excellent shot.
He was a member of Students for an Accessible Society and a lifelong member of the Moose Lodge of Harvard.
Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, holidays, cards, dining and sharing cocktails. He had many great times and memories attending conventions all over the country as a member of the National Spinal Cord Injury Foundation.
David is survived by his sisters, Donna Beetstra and Dawn (Patrick) Fritz; nieces, Katie and Sarah Fritz; cousins, Debbie Madden and Jerry Fredrick; and close friend Jim Anderson.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his primary caregivers April, Cathi and Correen.
Visitation for David will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Toynton’s Walworth Funeral Home 328 Kenosha St., Walworth and from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of Harvard, 7100 Harvard Hills Road, Harvard, Ill. Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Harvard or the Sharon Fire and Rescue Squad, 182 Park Ave., Sharon, WI 53585.
