Charlotte Jean Beeler Obituary (1928

Charlotte Jean (CJ) Beeler (Geske) died Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at Hermann Area District Hospital, Hermann, MO. A Bloomington, IL resident until recently, she was 91. She was born December 9, 1928 in Normal, IL to Viola Walters and John W. Geske. She was raised in Shirley, IL attending a small rural school, and graduating from University High School, Normal, in 1946. On February 12, 1949, she married her high school sweetheart, Charles Gilbert Beeler. After 72 years of marriage, he predeceased her on August 5, 2020. She is survived by their three children, Judy Kjellander, (Robert) of Springfield, IL, Mark Beeler (Kathy), Lake Ozark, MO, and David Beeler (Penny), Cary, NC. She is also survived by grandchildren, Robert C Kjellander and Eric Kjellander (Kristin); Nicole Dupree (Robert), Michael Beeler (Jen), Kristine Sills (Robert) step-grandson, Tyler Sanders (Tiffany); Alex Beeler and Ashtyn Golden (Chase); Great grandchildren include Grace, Emma, and Henry Kjellander; Riley Newton, Reagan, Ainsley, and Emery Charlotte Beeler, Kensey Sills, and step great-grandchildren, Cade, Cohen, Jewel, Makaiah, Maddox and Mianna. She was also predeceased by her parents and her sister, Donna Mae Jordan and brother-in-law Theodore E Jordan. Also surviving are her niece and nephew Cathy Jordan Greeneberg and J. Steven Jordan. She is also survived by two brother-in-laws and spouses, William G. Beeler (Sharon), and Wallace Beeler (Lois) and sister-in-law, JoAnn Stills and nineteen beloved nieces and nephews. Mrs. Beeler attended Illinois Wesleyan University. She later graduated from the Ray College of Interior Design, Chicago with a degree in interior design. She received numerous awards for her work there. She owed and operated her own interior design business, Creative Interiors, Bloomington, retiring as a licensed Interior Designer after 20 years in the industry in 2008. Her accomplishments were recognized when she was awarded with Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Mrs. Beeler began her professional career as a gift buyer for the Dixie Truckers Home, McLean, in 1967, working in the family business. She was the Administrative Manager of the Dixie Truckers Home travel and gift shops, McLean and Tuscola, for nearly 35 years. She also served as an officer on the Board of Directors for Shirley Oil and Supply Company, (Dixie Truckers Home). She was also active in community affairs, serving as a Republican Precinct Committeewoman, trustee of her church, a board member of Centrillo Council of Girl Scouts and the YWCA. She was one of the founding members of the Route 66 Association serving on their Board of Directors and Hall of Fame Committee. She was among the first to organize and display Route 66 memorabilia for the traveling public to view at the Dixie Truck Stop. She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood, Sigma Kappa Sorority, and Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Association. She was also a member of the American Society of Interior Design. She was a cherished and loving person who gave generously of her knowledge and experience. Her home was always elegant and well maintained. Her family and friends will keep her memory in their heart for many years to come. Services are under the direction of Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home. Burial will be at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Route 66 Association.