Roger Lee Van Beek

Birth: September 7, 1942 | Died: November 25, 2024

Roger Lee Van Beek was born in Linton, North Dakota on September 7, 1942, to Raymond and Dorothy (Vander Vorst) Van Beek. He grew up in Westfield, North Dakota, enjoying rural life with his extended family. As the oldest child, he experienced work at an early age in his father’s general store. His first attempt at “architecture” was at age 13 when he designed his family’s home in 1955.

Roger attended Bakker School in Westfield and graduated from high school in Pollock, South Dakota in 1960, where he was active in sports and music. After attending Northwestern College, in Iowa for one year, he pursued his interest in architecture and transferred to North Dakota State University where he graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1967. Roger began his career in New York City. In 1968, he was drafted into the US Army and served in the 1st Infantry in Viet Nam for two years.

During Roger’s university years, his brother, Milo, was injured in an automobile accident. Roger’s completion of his military service coincided with Milo’s readiness to continue his higher education. Roger then committed the next nine years to working in Southern California while Milo attained his ability to live independently. Roger married Kathryn Wright on April 28, 1979, in Palm Desert, California.

Roger’s architectural career included working in small firms at the beginning of his career, where he gained experience in architectural design, then started Van Beek Architects to pursue his interest in residential design. Ultimately, he achieved recognition for his expertise in designing hospitals and nursing homes at Greg Maedo & Associates, until his retirement in 2012.

In July 2024, Roger and his siblings joined their cousins in North Dakota for a reunion and 4th of July celebration. Roger experienced health issues that required hospitalization on his return to California. His rapid decline in health due to multiple medical problems took his life on November 25, 2024, at Katella Senior Living Community. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his brother, Milo.

Roger will be missed by two sisters and a brother: Marcia Van Beek (Jack Kaiser), Eau Claire, WI; Dorinda Van Beek, Long Beach, CA; Paul Van Beek (Laurie), Eau Claire, WI; four nephews and nieces: John Kaiser (Britta Bell), Jamaica Plain, MA; Maggie Kaiser (Mathew Falk), Hudson, WI; Rev. Christopher Van Beek (Kara), Chetek, WI; Carley Van Beek, Chippewa Falls, WI; and three grand-nephews: Woodrow and Walter Falk, both of Hudson, WI; and Sam Kaiser, Jamaica Plain, MA. Roger is survived by his former spouse, Kathryn, with whom he maintained a close friendship as well as with her mother, Faye Burns. He is also survived by two aunts and many loving Van Beek and Vander Vorst cousins. Roger loved golfing, competitive sailboat racing, jazz, and classical music, attending concerts and plays, following the NDSU Bisons, attending Angels baseball games, and watching televised sports.

Roger lived his life with class. He was known for his quiet, caring nature, his brotherly love for Milo, and spending time with family. He will be remembered for his attention to intricate details and being a voracious reader of health literature, inspirational books, and the news. He loved family gatherings, and traveling to his hometown, Westfield, to attend high school reunions and visit grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

Roger was admired by his family, friends, and colleagues, and will be greatly missed.

Memorial Services will be held at Shepherd’s Grove Presbyterian Church in Irvine, CA at 1:00 pm on February 1, 2025, with inurnment at Cathedral Memorial Gardens in Garden Grove, CA. Services will be officiated by Rev. Christopher Van Beek and assisted by Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA and Hilgenfeld Mortuary, Anaheim, CA. Condolences may be sent below.