Beatrice "Bea" Clark

Beatrice “Bea” Clark, 80, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at Arcadia Care, Toulon. Beatrice was born August 12, 1944, at St. Francis Hospital, Kewanee, IL. to Louise (Vereecke) and George Addis. Bea married, Richard “Dick” Clark on March 4, 2000, at Windmont Park; he preceded her in death on February 6, 2023.

Bea is survived by their children, Justine, Julie Hochstatter, and Lynda Kwiatkowski; a step-daughter, Pamela (Larry “Happy”) Wendt; and stepson, Randy Clark; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Georgine Barringer; and a step-daughter, Deb Roser.

Beatrice attended the last class of Visitation School before the new school was built, graduating in 1958. She then attended Kewanee High School for four years, graduating at age 17. She then left Kewanee and went to college and was a Paraprofessional for special ed at schools in East Moline and Silvis. She was a 4-H leader of the Silvis Scissor Sisters. They went on many trips, were in parades, and were involved in many fun activities.

Beatrice was President of the Kewanee Hospital Auxiliary in 1996 and the Red Hat Ladies in 2002. During that year a float was built and she got all the members into the Hog Day Parade. She was also on the board at the Kewanee Historical Society.

Upon moving back to Kewanee in 1979, Beatrice was co-owner of a food and beverage business called “Jacks Place” in Kewanee; where she started the taco trend that lasted 30 plus years. After selling that business she purchased a used books and lottery store called “Bargain Books.” She sold a lottery winner and won a free trip to Chicago. Where people there were surprised that such a small town as Kewanee could have sold such a big winner. She was escorted around Chicago to many places. She also wrote a book titled “Toby’s Adventures.” After selling the bookstore, she worked at Kewanee Hospital in pre-surgery for three years. She went on to work at Kewanee Library and WKEI-WJRE Radio. She finished out her working days as a Paraprofessional for the Kewanee School District 229.

Beatrice loved working with the elementary children and many of them learned to read because she made it interesting and fun. During those years all the children she worked with received a book from her at Christmas.

Bea belonged to the Loyal Order of the Moose and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 8078. She was on the Kewanee forward mapping committee. Beatrice was also instrumental in getting all the Kewanee Black Knights together for a reunion at the American Legion in 2004. So many hadn’t seen each other for years and time went way too fast for them. Their music and attendance was beyond measure.

Beatrice loved to write short stories and wrote many for her children and grandchildren. Her love of life, family, and friends was contagious. Bea enjoyed taking pictures of family and friends and making photo albums for her family. Once she entered your life, she was a friend forever. She always had a hello or smile for everyone.

Visitation will be from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. A Memorial service will be at 12:00 pm, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the funeral home. Father Chris Haake will officiate. Memorials may be made to Henry County Senior Citizens Center. The family wishes to thank the memory care staff at Toulon Rehab/Arcadia Care, Toulon. Please leave an online condolence for Bea’s family at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com

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