Rev. Leonard C Beenken

Rev. Leonard Clair Beenken, 94, of Streator, passed away Monday (June 17, 2024) at his home. Services will be on Sunday (June 23rd) at 2 p.m. at the Winterrowd Hagi Funeral Home in Streator with fellowship following. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be private at Hillcrest Memorial Park. 

Born March 3, 1930, in Kossuth County, Iowa, he was the fourth son of Warner and Mattie (Sonnenberg) Beenken. He married LaVonne Olson on December 17, 1950, in Blue Earth, Minnesota. She survives.

Leonard received his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State College in Springfield, South Dakota and his Masters/Divinity Degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. He was the Pastor of North Presbyterian Church in LaCrosse, Wisconsin for ten years and was Pastor of Park Presbyterian Church in Streator for 23 years. Upon his retirement in 1992, he was honored with the title of Pastor Emeritus from Park Church. In Leonard’s own words, “It has always been my life’s desire to enter the ministry and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Somehow God’s calling has been a part of my life since childhood.”

Leonard is survived by his wife of 74 years, LaVonne; daughters Sheryl Beenken-Wohlf, Debra (William) Craig, Merri (Douglas) Leifheit, son-in-law Robert Ludwigsen, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynnette; his parents; and three brothers; Herbert, Gilbert, and Orville. 

Special thanks to Gary Spears, Caleb Suydam, and OSF Hospice: Luke, Serena, Christy, Kat, and many others. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Park Presbyterian Church, 201 North Vermillion Street, Streator, IL 61364.