Paul "Dick" Beem

Paul R. “Dick” Beem, of Pleasant Prairie, WI, and longtime resident of Zion, IL, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Vitas Ruth Hospice Center, in West Allis, WI, at the age of 86. Born on September 13, 1939, in Waukegan, IL, Dick was a proud graduate of Zion Benton Township High School, Class of 1957. On June 17, 1961, Dick married his beloved wife, Laurel Jane Richards, in Zion, IL. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

In April, 1962, Dick joined the U.S. Army Reserves where he served for six years. Assigned to kitchen duty, he learned many cooking skills he blessed his family with for many years.

In 1966 Dick realized his need for forgiveness and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. With confidence we can declare, “Because He lives, Dick will live again also.” John 14:19

Dick was a devoted member of Grace Missionary Church (GMC), where he found joy and purpose in worship, fellowship and serving others. Growing up at GMC, Dick followed his father’s footsteps in his love and commitment to the African ministries of the Mahon Mission, now known as the Zion Evangelical Ministries of Africa (ZEMA). He served in various capacities (including chairman) on the ZEMA Board for many years. He and Laurel made several extended work trips to ZEMA’s Sunbury Christian Camp assisting missionaries with cleaning, food prep and general maintenance projects. In 2005, Dick was recognized as a lifetime member of the ZEMA Board.

A true entrepreneur at heart, Dick owned and operated Dick’s Carpet Service and several other businesses throughout his career. By far, his favorite job was as a bus driver for ZBTHS after he “retired”. He was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to generous service. In 2007 Dick and Laurel bought a Ford 350 and a 5 th Wheel, and traveled with S.O.W.E.R.s, Servants on Wheels Ever Ready. They traveled for 3½ years volunteering at various Christian camps and convention centers. They even did a stint at Camp Zion with their dear friends, Howard and Lynn Swank.

Dick’s life was marked by his love for the Lord, his wife, and his family. His unwavering faith, generous spirit, and genuine kindness touched the lives of everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his family, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless acts of service he offered to his community. Whether sharing a laugh over coffee, cheering on his grandchildren, or lending a helping hand, Dick’s warmth and compassion left a lasting impression. His memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him, and his presence will be cherished in the hearts of his family and friends forever. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Laurel; his children, Carlene (Greg) Seghers, Rick (Jennifer) Beem, and Amy (Todd) Williams; his grandchildren, Ryne (Amy) Seghers, Corbin (Madeline) Seghers, Trae (Michaela) Beem, Kyle (Maddie Grace) Seghers, Tori Williams, Hailey (Kolin) Meyers, Reagan Beem, Blaze Williams, and Emily Beem; and his great-grandchildren, Tyler Seghers, Dylan Seghers, Hailey Seghers, Vivienne Beem, Audrey Seghers, Howard Beem, Jonathan Seghers and Karissa Beem. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Wanda Beem.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Veatrice Beem; his brother, Rowland Beem; and his sister, Velma Sandberg.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Circle, Zion IL 60099 on February 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Graveside services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Dick may be given to Zion Evangelical Ministries or Grace Missionary Church. Donations to ZEMA may be mailed to: ZEMA, PO Box 62337, Colorado Springs CO 80962-2337, or electronically deposited through the ZEMA website: https://zema.org/donate/. Gifts to Grace Missionary Church may be mailed or directed to the church office at 1415 27 th St., Zion, IL.