In memoriam: Duane Beltman, 1955-2015

Duane A. Beltman, of Lynden, went home to his Lord and Savior, Monday, April 20, 2015. He was 59 years old.

Duane was born in Sibley, Iowa, to Elmer and Stella (Krikke) Beltman on Aug. 21, 1955. He grew up in Sibley, graduating from Western Christian High School. Soon after high school, Duane met and later married the love of his life, Sherri Kroon, on August 3, 1977. Together they had four children: Chad, Shelly, Tonya and Tracy. About that same time, Duane went to work for Osceola Rural Electric as a power lineman, making it a 20 year career. In 2000, Duane and Sherri moved to Lynden, where Duane worked for Dykstra Construction for four years before working as a carpenter at Western Washington University.

Duane's eye for detail was evident throughout his furniture making. He made amazing cedar chests, curio cabinets, and a gun case, all pieces of furniture custom made for his family. Duane and Sherri loved riding on their orange and black 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle, traveling to the Midwest to see his family and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He loved camping trips. Duane had a great sense of humor and a big heart when it came to his family and friends, always there to assist with many "to do" lists and projects.

Duane is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sherri; children Chad (Kerry), Shelly (Matthew) Martin, Tonya, and Tracy; grandchildren Charlotte and Samantha Martin, and Colby Beltman; parents Elmer and Stella Beltman; brothers Darwin (Mary) and Doyle (Susie); sisters Donna (Bruce) Amundson, Dee (Arlin) Kreykes, and Diane (Bruce) Grotenhuis.

A visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m., Friday, April 24, at Gillies Funeral Home. The memorial service begins at 2 p.m. that same day at North County Christ the King Community Church in Lynden, with a private family graveside committal preceding at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Duane Beltman Memorial fund to support Bibles for China at the Whatcom Educational Credit Union. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.

[ This obituary was first published on the website for Gillies Funeral Home. ]