Ralph "Humphrey" Beussink

Ralph “Humphrey” Beussink, 70, of Leopold, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 21, 2024. He was born on May 1, 1954, to the late Bernard and Bertha (Jansen) Beussink, in Cape Girardeau.  Ralph was a 1972 graduate of Leopold High School, where he acquired the nick name “Humphrey”, as a freshman.

Humphrey worked as a machine operator for the Union Pacific Railroad for 36 years prior to his retirement in 2014. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching ballgames.  He was a huge supporter of LHS sports no matter who was playing, he was always there for the teams. Ralph held a 50-year membership in the Knights of Columbus Council #5898. He was involved in the dances, shooting matches and he coached and played softball for over 25 years.  He liked to throw horseshoes and thoroughly loved being a 4th Degree Knight.

Mr. Beussink was united in marriage to Sandra Elfrink on June 28, 1975, at St. John Catholic Church in Leopold.  They celebrated 49 years of marriage and raised two children, Alan and Becky. Ralph loved to spend time with his family and spoiled the grandkids.

He is survived by his wife: Sandy Beussink; son: Alan (Dana) Beussink; daughter: Becky (Eric) Casey; brother: Joe (Deborah) Beussink; sisters: Angela (Joe) Carlisle, Geri Geringer, Jenny (Greg) Nenninger, Debbie (Kyle) Eudy; grandchildren: Cohen and Finn Beussink, Alyssa, Kaden, Levi and Clara Casey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law: James (Lydia) Beussink; sisters: Dorothy and Joann Beussink; brother-in-law: Gary Geringer; granddaughter: Stella Catherine Casey.

Pallbearers will be John Wayne Thele, Jeff Thele, Jimmy Thele, Glen “B.R.” Trankle, Norbert VanGennip, Grant Eudy, Craig Elfrink and Matt Brotherton.

Visitation will be held at the Hutchings-Pendergrass Funeral Chapel, on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Parish Prayers and Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm, led by the K of C #5898. Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Leopold.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph "Humphrey" Beussink, please visit our floral store.