Beatrice Kiel

Beatrice Kiel loved to experience and appreciate the world around her. From reading and theatres to traveling the world, she was always ready for an adventure. Above all though, Beatrice was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She did many things in her life, all of which shaped her into the person her family and friends loved dearly.

1925 found the country right in the middle of the Roaring 20s. For those living in big cities, it was a time of flappers and speakeasies, while those living in small Midwestern towns focused on working hard and raising families. It was into this bustling world that Beatrice was born on September 13, 1925, in Lowell, Michigan. Many of Beatrice’s fondest childhood memories were of the times she spent with her loving grandmother. She received her education in the Lowell Public Schools and graduated from Central High in Grand Rapids in 1943.

Bea’s life took a new direction when she was set up on a blind date with Eugene Kiel, by their friends, Bob and Dorothy. As fate would have it, Bea and Gene fell hopelessly in love at first sight, and after only six months of courting, they were happily married in Spokane, Washington in 1949. Because Gene was serving in the Air Force and had to get back to base, the newlyweds did not have time for a honeymoon. However, over the next few years, the couple was blessed with two wonderful children: Wayne and Nancy, who brought them great pride and joy.

Upon Gene’s discharge from the service in 1953, the family of four moved back to their hometown of Holland, and began helping Gene’s parents on their blueberry farm. The couple eventually bought the farm from his parents in the 1960s, and continued to operate it for more than 20 years before their son, Wayne, took over business operations in the 1980s. Bea, however, still kept the books and ran the packing house until 1996. But Bea never saw working on the farm as a chore; she loved being in the blueberry fields, though she often ate more than she picked.

For Bea, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She always put her loved ones first in deed and within her heart. As a mother, Bea took an active role in every phase of her children’s lives. From being a Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader to teaching Sunday school, Bea’s passion was to support her family. She was also a fantastic cook and her potato salad was donned “the best” while her chocolate Christmas cookies were simply heavenly. On a day she didn’t cook, Bea loved to go to Applebee’s or Olive Garden for a great dinner. Aside from her family, Bea was also active among her church family at Church of the Dunes, where she shared many cherished memories with her good friends, the Kurburski’s.

Bea and Gene were quite the world travelers and enjoyed traipsing to new and exciting places whenever possible. Their adventures took them as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Hawaii, though their trips to Montana, the Canadian Rockies and to the battlefields in Gatlinburg, Tennessee were among their most memorable. Bea loved traveling so much that after her beloved husband, Gene, died in 1993, she and her sister, Josie, became traveling companions and continued their trek around the world.

When not off on another adventure, Bea enjoyed working around her home, especially in her garden and yard. In her quieter moments, she very much enjoyed reading or watching one of her favorite TV shows, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol and the O’Reilly Factor. When it came to watching a classical movie, Bea loved Out of Africa and Gone with the Wind. And if the TV wasn’t on, Bea had the radio tuned to her favorite music, which included Engelbert Humperdinck, Bette Midler, Patsy Cline, Daniel Odool, Michael Buble` and Dean Martin. She always sang along when they played her favorite songs by Bette Midler, Wind Beneath My Wings and Rose, or her two favorites by Patsy Cline, Always and Why Can’t He Be You.

Beatrice Kiel was one of those very special people you hope you will have the good fortune to meet one day. She had a heart full of compassion and love for everyone around her and her great sense of humor was sure to put a smile on your face. Although she will be deeply missed by family and friends, her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

Beatrice Kiel age 82 of Holland, MI, died on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, in Holland Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Kiel. She is survived by her children: Nancy Ann Kiel of Sydney, Australia and Wayne Oren and Jeri Lois Kiel of West Olive; 2 granddaughters: Samantha Jon Kiel and Taylor Lillian Kiel; sister, Josie Rumble of Grand Rapids; nephews, Richard and Dianne Rumble of California and Craig and Dalean Rumble of Chicago; and other nephews and nieces. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at the Church of the Dunes, 717 Sheldon Road, Holland, with the Rev. Daniel M. Duncan officiating. No visitation is scheduled. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Northwood Chapel.