Margaret Anna Van Beek, 97, of rural New Florence, MO, died at 11:45 AM on Tuesday, December, 17, 2024 at Baptist Homes Tri-County in Vandalia, MO.

Margaret Anna Van Beek was born December 1st, 1927 in High Hill, MO, to John Bernat and Caroline Meier. Margaret had a twin sister Martha who died shortly after birth. Margaret graduated from High Hill High School. She worked at the Farmer's Mercantile in High Hill. Margaret married Richard Francis Van Beek on December 2nd, 1950, at Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City. Together they farmed, raising cattle and hogs and delivered the Sunday paper for many years. Margaret retired from Handi Pac in Herman, MO in 1990. Margaret was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, K of C Women's Auxiliary, and past member of the Over Fifty Club, and the New Florence Community Club. Margaret enjoyed genealogy and has many books on family history. She was an avid cross stitcher. Everyone in the family has a beautiful picture made especially for them.

Margaret had 4 children, Deborah Lou Ray and husband Mike, of Vandalia, MO; Richard John Van Beek and wife Marie, of Baxter, IA; Michael Francis Van Beek of New Florence, MO; Mark Stephen Van Beek and wife Jinny, of Edmond, OK. She had 10 grandchildren, Brian Van Beek and wife Shaina, of Baxter, IA; Paul Van Beek of Baxter, IA; Stephen Van Beek and wife Megan of Baxter, IA; Elizabeth Van Beek of Fayette, MO; Emily Van Beek of Fayette, MO; James Van Beek of Fayette, MO; Claire Dowling and husband Mark of Bozeman, MT; Michelle Callahan of Butte, MT; Rachel Williams and husband Adam of Valley Park, MO; and Ashley Niemeyer and husband Ryan of Fenton, MO. She had 7 great grandchildren, Rylee, Callie and Lexi Van Beek of Baxter, IA; Max Callahan of Butte, MT; Haven, Luke, and Charlotte Niemeyer of Fenton, MO.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband Richard, brothers Otto Bernat, Ernest Bernat, John Bernat, Henry Bernat, and sisters Caroline (Lena) Johnson, Mary Brandenburg, and Martha Bernat.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City, Missouri, with Father Ernest Dike officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Mary's Cemetery.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Church, Immaculate Conception School, or to the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361