I am far from EKHS (California), but close in heart. Sorry to hear about your pre-mature home-going Joe, but thrilled to hear of your effective servant life and your relationship with your Creator whom you now enjoy face-to-face. I see a tribute from my dear Uncle Ron Hall - he did love coaching and knowing you all these years. Blessings to Shelly and the kids as you carry on. Jim Oswald, Class of '72.

I worked with Joe at DU, and would run into him at Volunteer Events downtown. He rocked the Rapids! it was always great to see him he was always happy and enthusiastic and sincere. He loved his family: wife, kids and grandkids. I am very sad to hear about his passing, he was kind to me and easy to talk to. He is in Heaven at peace now.

Dear Shelly and family,My sincerest sympathy to each one of you as you reflect on Joe's life with his very special family. May God bring you peace, comfort and fond memories to share.In Christian Love,Jera Kodish-Laidlaw

Dear Shelly and family,Jim and I were so saddened to hear about Joe. We only found out after the service was over and want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.Thinking of you and wishing you peace.Love, cousin Mary Ann and Jim

I was blessed to have Joe for a principal at Northview HS. He made my Deaf/Hard of Hearing students feel important and included. Joe went out of his way to make one struggling young man feel very special. Now they are together in heaven. Our earth is better place as a result of Joe's presence and kindness.

It is hard to put into words the feelings I have at the news of Joe’s death. Sorrow, for certain. And joy for a friendship that has never been replaced by another in regards to being soul mates. We did everything together. His mom and dad were like my mom and dad. His sisters were my sisters. If I start talking about the memories they will become a novel. Maybe it is just because we were kids and life was simple, but that doesn’t change the depth and beauty of the time we enjoyed as young men heading into the big world ahead. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service to remember a great friend to so many. I am thankful for our visit just a short time ago. my heartfelt sympathy to Shelley and Joe’s entire family at this time of loss and grief.’ Charlie Brown

Dear Beel family,I was very sad to learn of Joe's death and you all have my deepest sympathy. I moved out of Michigan many years ago, but had the pleasure of meeting Joe on several occasions at Web.com golf tourneys. In the short time visiting with Joe it was fun to share stories about common friends in Stevensville. It was easy to see that Joe loved his community and fellow man by the things he did in retirement. It was even more evident how much he loved his family. May God bless you all during the upcoming days and surround you with the same love that Joe had for you. May He also comfort you with His assurance for eternal life.

May beautiful memories wrap your hearts with love, peace, and comfort. Michelle, children, and grandchildren are thoughts and prayers are with you.

The first thing that comes to my mind as kids is playing sports and picking teams on the old baseball field behind Bowen Elementary. Everyone wanted to pick Joe 1st for their team because he was a leader and a winner. Joe made everyone else around him better. Everyone that I have met in my life that knew Joe, has shared similar experiences about him. Joe will be missed and will be remembered. Shelly and family I wish you all the best.

I am so saddened by the news of Joe's passing. I feel so fortunate to have been friends with Joe during childhood and high school days. He certainly left his best imprint on everyone he met, a true gentleman. Joe had many wonderful qualities, touched and shaped so many lives, yet remained a humble man.. A life well lived. Gone from this earth too soon... My deepest sympathy to Shelley, your children and grands, parents and siblings. May God flood your hearts with His peace and comfort as you grieve your loss. Bonnie (VanderSchuur) Gordon

Beautiful service that capture Joe's life perfectly. I did not know him as well as others, but I admired his leadership and presence in Kentwood.

Michelle and family of Joe, I was so happy to celebrate the life of Joe with you and all of his family and friends today. He is a great friend, and had an incredible influence on me that shaped me and encouraged me at critical times. I am glad I had the chance to tell you so today. I know I am just one of many who feel this way. May God comfort you, as Joe would have you move forward with joy! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Karl Kimball

Shelley- I'm so sorry to hear about Joe's death. May God's amazing & unending love and comfort surround you & the family now & in the days ahead! Trust Him, He walks with you continuously, really! Love you girl! I am praying! Linda Huls

I will never forget auditioning to speak at graduation in 2004 and Mr. Beel gave me such a great push in order to overcome my nerves. He was a phenomenal principal! Condolences to his family and every life he touched!

Beel family- I met Joe when he started at DU we clicked right when we met. He would talk about his family and ask me about mine. We talk golf, and just life. He sent me a message the other day about his treatment and I was thinking how amazing of a fighter he is for life and his family. He lived his life and yet to short for us, the truth is we will rejoice with each other again with our savior. May your memories of Joe add smiles of all the memories and Know your lifted in prayer for healing.

Joe, Charley Brown & I were best of friends back in the late high school/early college days. We did everything together (especially a lot of mini-golf at the Friberg's course). Joe and I didn't keep in touch over the last 40 years but I'd run into him occasionally at EKHS-related functions, and I've always considered him a friend. To Mr. & Mrs. Beel, Cindy, Lori & Nancy, and Shelley & kids, my deepest condolences. Adios, JoeB. You will be missed.Karl Bly

Amen to that, Joe will be missed by all...

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I had the distinct privilege and honor to grow up with Joe. Even as kids, he was always the leader and a winner with just about everything he was involved with. We had many wonderful times and great memories together. I always looked up to him as a special friend and mentor in my life. Even though our lives took different paths and many miles between us, the bond was always there. The world has lost one of the greats! I wish all the best to Shelly and the rest of the Beel family!!!Tom Bringedahl Jr.

Joe,We will all miss you. The way you communicated, your genuine interest in people, your sense of hilarious sense of humor, your care for staff during some of our hardest times professionally or personally...we have seen nothing like it. I told you in life and I will tell you again in death, you made a difference for myself and my family. God Bless.

I first met Joe when he was a student at Valleywood, where I taught. He was not only admired by his fellow students for his athletic ability, but also because he was willing to be a friend to EVERYONE. I met him again about ten years later when he was the history teacher for my son, Chris, in Jenison. I remember most that he taught Chris the importance of integrity and compassion, values that Chris still remembers today. My thoughts and prayers go out to Shelly and her family.

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Shelly, our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you also during this time.

Prayers of comfort, strength and God's Presence for you all.

Joe was an amazing man. He was a leader and mentor to many. He not only had my children at EK, but I had the privilege of working with him during that time. Thank you, Joe, for all you gave, you will be missed! My heartfelt sympathies to Shelly, the kids and your entire family. He was so proud of his family when he spoke of you all.

Faith, Hope & Love,- and The Greatest of these is Love. Joe taught us all how to Love. Joe hired me at Kentwood in 1997. He was a friend, a co -worker and was there when my girls went thru. To the entire Beel Family, Joe is now at Peace. We will all continue to Live as he did, Laugh & Love the way he did. Our Prayers go out to your entire Family.

Dear Beel Family,I had the pleasure of having Mr Beel at Jenison High School for US History. By far he was one of my favorite teachers hands down. I am saddened to learn of his passing. I pray that you are filled with all of the wonderful memories of him and are comforted by the impact he made on his students. He has left a rich legacy! May God richly bless each of you with His peace, love and comfort.

Shelley and family my thoughts and prayers are with you thru this great sad time. Joe was truly a great gentleman and a class act in every sense of the phrase. It was my pleasure to be a classmate and friend over the past 50 some years. You will be sadly missed by all of the people you have touched over the years and I wish I wasn't working out of town because I would have loved to be there to give you the respect you deserve. Once again my thoughts and prayers will be with Shelly and your family during the days to come.

Dear Beel family. Joe was a remarkable teacher at Jenison High School and in life. I am thankful for the life lessons he passed on in the classroom that went beyond simply high school. I remember him having Jordan in the class as a toddler and letting him roam freely, encouraging us to hold on to that natural curiosity and freedom he exhibited. I have also caught myself reminding my own kids not to "settle for mediocrity" in their endeavors and the voice sounds remarkably like Joe's. I am glad to have known him.

Joe was the principal at EK when I was in High School. He helped me to be able to stay at EK when my mom abandon me by helping me to set up an appointment with the superintendent so that I could get approved for school of choice and stay I. Kentwood schools. He was an amazing principal.

Our sincerest sympathy to Shelly and the entire Beel family. We are so saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague. I will always have fond memories from being classmates and friends for over 45 years.

Joe was a wonderful principal. His open door policy, easy smile, and willingness to listen was a gift to all of us on his staff. He left us all to soon, but I will always remember him. My heartfelt prayers and sympathy are with you all.

A Natural Bamboo Cube Planter was sent on January 31, 2016
 Dear Beel family,
I am deeply grieved by the loss of Joe. I pray God gives each of you courage to overcome this grief. Joe was very special and will always have a special place in our lives.
Love,
Jodi Ebels Brown

Joe's special talents will truly be missed. Kathy and I send our sympathy to Shelly and the family. He leaves us far to soon. Yet has accomplished so much during his stay.

Joe was a wonderful person. So sorry to hear of his death. We remember him for all his best qualities.

I had the great opportunity to work with Joe at Davenport. He was such a fun and positive guy to be around. It was always fun to talk Michigan football with him, play golf or grab a beer. He will be missed and my sympathy goes out to his family. You are in my prayers.

To the Beel FamilyWe were so very sorry to hear about Joe. Had no idea he was ill and you are all in our thoughts and prayers.Faith and Wayne

Joe hired me for my first teaching job at EK, and for that opportunity, I am grateful. He made work fun and treated his staff with respect and good humor. I will always remember the way he encouraged and supported everyone who came through his office. My sympathy to his family--it was clear how much he loved you. I remember the photo in his office of his sons diving from a roof into a pool. That's how I picture Joe now, experiencing that freedom from suffering and absolute joy. May his memory be eternal.

Thinking and praying for you Michelle and kids! I was fortunate to have Joe as my principal at Hudsonville High school for many years. He was always supportive of our staff and I considered him a great leader and friend. I enjoyed seeing his and Michelle's kids growing up in Hudsonville! They are a wonderful family! He is missed.

Our condolences to Shelly and the family. It was a privilege for Dave to coach with Joe. We are sure he will be truly be missed.

Joe Beel was a friend to everyone he met. His pragmatic leadership and consistently positive attitude helped us all. He was there for me in the darkest hour of my life- he gave me the lift I needed- I will never forget this great friend. He was the best! To Shelly and Joe's entire family know you are surrounded by love always!

Joe, you were more than a boss. I will never forget your mentorship, kindness and leadership. You gave your staff copies of Tuesday's With Morrie and The Five People You'll Meet in Heaven when you were our principal. You wrote each of us a personal note on the inside cover. I am re-reading those books now. I take comfort in their message. You will never be forgotten.

Joe, you are the best! A great principal and friend. You will be sorely missed by all.

If Fri and Arv were here, we would all agree that number 14 was our BEST.....Ron and Tina Hall

To our special friend, Guiseppe Beel!!! We love you sooo much & thank you for the wonderful memories...especially in Italy & San Diego!!! Amore' dear friend. Shell, we love you and are here for you ALWAYS!!!

Sympathy to Joe's family and friends for the loss of this great man. I remember him as a talented person in high school and am glad that he inspired so many in his lifetime.

OBITUARY

Joseph Richard Beel

December 5, 1953 – January 27, 2016

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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