Gene S. Beinke's Obituary
Gene Storer Beinke entered eternal life on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the young age of 78, but his “student of life” persona will not be forgotten. “Student of life” is a phrase Gene came up with and often used in place of answering “Why not?” When asked why he did something adventurous or out of the ordinary, he would simply say he was a student of life and that would be that.
It all began on November 17, 1945 when he was born in Waterloo, IA. From there he went on to graduate from West High School in Waterloo, attended Upper Iowa University, and embarked on the following adventures:
Rode a bull in a rodeo, served our country with the US Navy, sold school buses, managed restaurants, tuned pianos, obtained a commercial pilot’s license, served in law enforcement as an officer in three different departments and police chief of three different departments, graduated from the FBI National Academy 176th Session, corporate trainer for organization change, served as a lay pastor, officiated his daughter’s wedding, and was involved in property management, only to name a few.
Along the way he married his “main squeeze” Jane (Walker) Beinke in Waterloo, Iowa, and shared 44 adventurous years. Together they enjoyed camping, cycling and going for long rides. Gene also enjoyed car shopping, car shopping and more car shopping.
Our family was blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Gene. The student of life mantra lives on through his family as well as “razzle dazzle whiz bang jet dive bomber”. When asked what it meant he replied “Well, translated to ordinary english it means super or awesome, as good as it gets, if you will.” And there is no doubt he wouldn’t mind being remembered as such.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by many as a loving husband, devoted father, trusted friend, mentor, grandfather, and student of life extraordinaire. If there ever was a razzle dazzle whiz bang jet dive bomber, it would be him, our beloved Gene.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Jane; his children Matthew, Christopher, and Betsey; four grandchildren Max, Gracelyn, Wyatt, and Beau; sibling Kay, a nephew and many nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Ettabelle Beinke, his brother James Beinke, and many other relatives.
A private family celebration of life will be held in lieu of a service. Remembrances can be made through contributions to a charity of your choice or by simply embarking on a student of life experience of your own. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is serving the Beinke family.
What’s your fondest memory of Gene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gene?
Share a story where Gene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gene you’ll never forget.
How did Gene make you smile?