Delmar Beach, sometimes spelled Delmer Beach, was a remarkable individual whose life was defined by resilience, adaptability, and a deep connection to his family. Born on July 12, 1878, in Paw Paw, Michigan, Delmar was the eldest son of Frank and Mary Sally VanSickle Beach, hardworking farmers who instilled in him the values of perseverance and determination.
Despite facing adversity from an early age, Delmar approached life with unwavering resolve. Afflicted with deafness, the origin of which remains uncertain, he defied the limitations imposed by his condition and pursued a lifelong career as a steam engineer. In a testament to his indomitable spirit, Delmar was captured in a photograph from 1924 proudly wearing a hearing aid, a groundbreaking invention that had only been introduced four years earlier.
On April 20, 1899, at the age of 20, Delmar embarked on a new chapter of his life by marrying Almeda Raymond in his hometown of Paw Paw. They began their journey together, residing in various locations throughout Southwest Michigan, as Delmar sought employment opportunities as an engineer. Their union brought the joy of parenthood, and on May 16, 1900, they welcomed their son Loren, followed by the birth of their daughter Leta Levina on January 25, 1902.
Tragically, the family faced a devastating loss when Almeda succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis on April 8, 1905. Delmar, left to raise their young children on his own, displayed unwavering dedication and resourcefulness as he navigated the challenges of single parenthood. The ensuing years saw the family traverse different towns in Southwest Michigan, driven by Delmar's pursuit of work opportunities. Despite the hardships, Delmar's commitment to his children's education remained unwavering, as evidenced by their extended stays with their grandparents in Paw Paw to attend school.
Throughout his life, Delmar showcased his versatility and adaptability. From working as a fireman in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor to serving as a railroad engineer in Kalamazoo, his professional journey was marked by perseverance and expertise. In 1920, Delmar found himself residing in Vicksburg, Michigan, alongside his second wife, Bertha Dasy. During this period, he held the esteemed position of chief engineer at the Village Water Plant, further demonstrating his skill and dedication.
Over the years, Delmar's tenacity never waned. As he entered his twilight years, he found solace in the loving embrace of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Delmar's playful interactions with his great-grandsons, Tom and Terry, became endearing family anecdotes, as they marveled at his unwavering deafness. With a heart full of love, he often playfully promised his granddaughter Gladys a sandwich shop and teased his granddaughter Mary Lou about her affinity for candy.
Outside of his familial role, Delmar reveled in simple pleasures. Fishing trips allowed him to connect with nature and find tranquility amidst life's demands. Additionally, he possessed a keen aptitude for manual work, finding joy in the craftsmanship of his creations.
Delmar Beach passed away on January 15, 1964, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 85. His legacy endures through the generations he touched, a testament to his resilience, unwavering spirit, and the unwavering love he shared with his family. Delmar's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that determination, adaptability, and the bonds of family can overcome any obstacle.
Tricia Kannegieter Hetrick
Delmar's GG Granddaughter
April 7, 2021
Despite facing adversity from an early age, Delmar approached life with unwavering resolve. Afflicted with deafness, the origin of which remains uncertain, he defied the limitations imposed by his condition and pursued a lifelong career as a steam engineer. In a testament to his indomitable spirit, Delmar was captured in a photograph from 1924 proudly wearing a hearing aid, a groundbreaking invention that had only been introduced four years earlier.
On April 20, 1899, at the age of 20, Delmar embarked on a new chapter of his life by marrying Almeda Raymond in his hometown of Paw Paw. They began their journey together, residing in various locations throughout Southwest Michigan, as Delmar sought employment opportunities as an engineer. Their union brought the joy of parenthood, and on May 16, 1900, they welcomed their son Loren, followed by the birth of their daughter Leta Levina on January 25, 1902.
Tragically, the family faced a devastating loss when Almeda succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis on April 8, 1905. Delmar, left to raise their young children on his own, displayed unwavering dedication and resourcefulness as he navigated the challenges of single parenthood. The ensuing years saw the family traverse different towns in Southwest Michigan, driven by Delmar's pursuit of work opportunities. Despite the hardships, Delmar's commitment to his children's education remained unwavering, as evidenced by their extended stays with their grandparents in Paw Paw to attend school.
Throughout his life, Delmar showcased his versatility and adaptability. From working as a fireman in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor to serving as a railroad engineer in Kalamazoo, his professional journey was marked by perseverance and expertise. In 1920, Delmar found himself residing in Vicksburg, Michigan, alongside his second wife, Bertha Dasy. During this period, he held the esteemed position of chief engineer at the Village Water Plant, further demonstrating his skill and dedication.
Over the years, Delmar's tenacity never waned. As he entered his twilight years, he found solace in the loving embrace of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Delmar's playful interactions with his great-grandsons, Tom and Terry, became endearing family anecdotes, as they marveled at his unwavering deafness. With a heart full of love, he often playfully promised his granddaughter Gladys a sandwich shop and teased his granddaughter Mary Lou about her affinity for candy.
Outside of his familial role, Delmar reveled in simple pleasures. Fishing trips allowed him to connect with nature and find tranquility amidst life's demands. Additionally, he possessed a keen aptitude for manual work, finding joy in the craftsmanship of his creations.
Delmar Beach passed away on January 15, 1964, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 85. His legacy endures through the generations he touched, a testament to his resilience, unwavering spirit, and the unwavering love he shared with his family. Delmar's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that determination, adaptability, and the bonds of family can overcome any obstacle.
Tricia Kannegieter Hetrick
Delmar's GG Granddaughter
April 7, 2021
Delmar Beach, sometimes spelled Delmer Beach, was a remarkable individual whose life was defined by resilience, adaptability, and a deep connection to his family. Born on July 12, 1878, in Paw Paw, Michigan, Delmar was the eldest son of Frank and Mary Sally VanSickle Beach, hardworking farmers who instilled in him the values of perseverance and determination.
Despite facing adversity from an early age, Delmar approached life with unwavering resolve. Afflicted with deafness, the origin of which remains uncertain, he defied the limitations imposed by his condition and pursued a lifelong career as a steam engineer. In a testament to his indomitable spirit, Delmar was captured in a photograph from 1924 proudly wearing a hearing aid, a groundbreaking invention that had only been introduced four years earlier.
On April 20, 1899, at the age of 20, Delmar embarked on a new chapter of his life by marrying Almeda Raymond in his hometown of Paw Paw. They began their journey together, residing in various locations throughout Southwest Michigan, as Delmar sought employment opportunities as an engineer. Their union brought the joy of parenthood, and on May 16, 1900, they welcomed their son Loren, followed by the birth of their daughter Leta Levina on January 25, 1902.
Tragically, the family faced a devastating loss when Almeda succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis on April 8, 1905. Delmar, left to raise their young children on his own, displayed unwavering dedication and resourcefulness as he navigated the challenges of single parenthood. The ensuing years saw the family traverse different towns in Southwest Michigan, driven by Delmar's pursuit of work opportunities. Despite the hardships, Delmar's commitment to his children's education remained unwavering, as evidenced by their extended stays with their grandparents in Paw Paw to attend school.
Throughout his life, Delmar showcased his versatility and adaptability. From working as a fireman in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor to serving as a railroad engineer in Kalamazoo, his professional journey was marked by perseverance and expertise. In 1920, Delmar found himself residing in Vicksburg, Michigan, alongside his second wife, Bertha Dasy. During this period, he held the esteemed position of chief engineer at the Village Water Plant, further demonstrating his skill and dedication.
Over the years, Delmar's tenacity never waned. As he entered his twilight years, he found solace in the loving embrace of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Delmar's playful interactions with his great-grandsons, Tom and Terry, became endearing family anecdotes, as they marveled at his unwavering deafness. With a heart full of love, he often playfully promised his granddaughter Gladys a sandwich shop and teased his granddaughter Mary Lou about her affinity for candy.
Outside of his familial role, Delmar reveled in simple pleasures. Fishing trips allowed him to connect with nature and find tranquility amidst life's demands. Additionally, he possessed a keen aptitude for manual work, finding joy in the craftsmanship of his creations.
Delmar Beach passed away on January 15, 1964, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 85. His legacy endures through the generations he touched, a testament to his resilience, unwavering spirit, and the unwavering love he shared with his family. Delmar's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that determination, adaptability, and the bonds of family can overcome any obstacle.
Tricia Kannegieter Hetrick
Delmar's GG Granddaughter
April 7, 2021
Despite facing adversity from an early age, Delmar approached life with unwavering resolve. Afflicted with deafness, the origin of which remains uncertain, he defied the limitations imposed by his condition and pursued a lifelong career as a steam engineer. In a testament to his indomitable spirit, Delmar was captured in a photograph from 1924 proudly wearing a hearing aid, a groundbreaking invention that had only been introduced four years earlier.
On April 20, 1899, at the age of 20, Delmar embarked on a new chapter of his life by marrying Almeda Raymond in his hometown of Paw Paw. They began their journey together, residing in various locations throughout Southwest Michigan, as Delmar sought employment opportunities as an engineer. Their union brought the joy of parenthood, and on May 16, 1900, they welcomed their son Loren, followed by the birth of their daughter Leta Levina on January 25, 1902.
Tragically, the family faced a devastating loss when Almeda succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis on April 8, 1905. Delmar, left to raise their young children on his own, displayed unwavering dedication and resourcefulness as he navigated the challenges of single parenthood. The ensuing years saw the family traverse different towns in Southwest Michigan, driven by Delmar's pursuit of work opportunities. Despite the hardships, Delmar's commitment to his children's education remained unwavering, as evidenced by their extended stays with their grandparents in Paw Paw to attend school.
Throughout his life, Delmar showcased his versatility and adaptability. From working as a fireman in Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor to serving as a railroad engineer in Kalamazoo, his professional journey was marked by perseverance and expertise. In 1920, Delmar found himself residing in Vicksburg, Michigan, alongside his second wife, Bertha Dasy. During this period, he held the esteemed position of chief engineer at the Village Water Plant, further demonstrating his skill and dedication.
Over the years, Delmar's tenacity never waned. As he entered his twilight years, he found solace in the loving embrace of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Delmar's playful interactions with his great-grandsons, Tom and Terry, became endearing family anecdotes, as they marveled at his unwavering deafness. With a heart full of love, he often playfully promised his granddaughter Gladys a sandwich shop and teased his granddaughter Mary Lou about her affinity for candy.
Outside of his familial role, Delmar reveled in simple pleasures. Fishing trips allowed him to connect with nature and find tranquility amidst life's demands. Additionally, he possessed a keen aptitude for manual work, finding joy in the craftsmanship of his creations.
Delmar Beach passed away on January 15, 1964, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 85. His legacy endures through the generations he touched, a testament to his resilience, unwavering spirit, and the unwavering love he shared with his family. Delmar's story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that determination, adaptability, and the bonds of family can overcome any obstacle.
Tricia Kannegieter Hetrick
Delmar's GG Granddaughter
April 7, 2021
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