Obituary: Jean Beenken

Jean Audrey Beenken (Koestler), 95, of Buckingham, IA finished her  earthly work and went home to be with God on September 23, 2025. Born on  August 27, 1930, in Ledyard, IA, Jean grew up on a farm with her parents Everyl  and Bernice Koestler and nine brothers and sisters. Jean graduated from Ledyard  High School and Waldorf College prior to moving to the Buckingham area where  she married Orville Beenken on February 8, 1952. Orville and Jean were married  for 67 years prior to Orville’s passing in 2019 spending almost their entire lives in  the Buckingham area.

Jean was a beloved teacher in the area for 34 years prior to  retiring in 1986 to enjoy her most important roles as a devoted Wife, Mom,  Grandma, friend and servant to many. In addition to her family, Jean was a faithful  servant of God and her country, serving for many years as a member of Geneseo  United Methodist Church and the Traer American Legion Auxiliary. In addition to  her family and service to God and country, Jean loved her flowers and enjoyed  gardening, baking, fishing, playing cards, watching basketball and reading,  especially with her grandchildren.  

Jean is survived by her son, Galen Orville and daughter-in-law Kylie Beenken and  grandchildren Noah and Brooklyn. A memorial service for Jean will be held on  October 16th at The Geneseo United Methodist, 3127 115th Street, Buckingham,  IA 50612 with coffee and fellowship beginning at 10:00 a.m., a Celebration of Life  beginning at 11:00 a.m. and a private family burial to follow. Flowers and/or  donations in Jean’s memory may also be sent to Geneseo United Methodist