Ernest Van Beek, 82, of Linton, ND, died peacefully on November 3, 2010 after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Linton United Methodist Church, Linton with the Reverend Jim Waisanen and Reverend David Van Beek officiating. Burial will be in the Linton Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 12:00pm to 9:00pm at the Myers Funeral Home, Linton and will continue for one hour before the services at the church on Saturday. Ernest was born October 22, 1928 on a farm in Emmons County, the son of Edward and Mary (Vander Vorst) Van Beek. He attended Union District Country School. Ernest was joined in marriage to Jean Spriggle on March 18, 1949 in the United Methodist Church, Linton. They became parents of twins: Lynn and Lynda, David and Gary. Lynn died on October 4, 1968. Ernest farmed with his dad after which they moved to Oregon. He graduated from a welding course in Pendleton, OR. He was employed in various jobs including: the Lumber Industry, the Pendleton Woolen Mills, and the Pendleton Meat Packing Plant. He owned several rental properties and operated vending machines in the Pendleton area. Ernest and Jean retired to his beloved North Dakota in 1993. He most enjoyed going to coffee and visiting with friends and family during his retirement. He served as President of the Linton Senior Citizens, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was active in the Salvation Army. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, where he was an usher and served on many committees. Ernest died peacefully at the Linton Hospital after a short and courageous battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean Van Beek of Linton, ND; two sons and daughters-in-law: David and Marla Van Beek of Portland, OR and Gary and Kim Van Beek of Wichita, KS; one daughter, Lynda Jieke and Rod Velando of Thornton, CO; five grandchildren: Sarah (Don Titus) of Portland, OR, John Van Beek of Portland, OR, Rebecca Van Beek of Bloomington, IL, Daniel Van Beek and Michael Van Beek of Wichita, KS; two great granddaughters: Abigal and Bethie Titus of Portland, OR; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Kenneth and Pat Van Beek of Bismarck, ND, Melvin and Marcella Van Beek of Fargo, ND, Orland and Debbie Van Beek of Roseburg, OR and Gertrude Nieuwsma of Bismarck, ND; six sisters and brothers-in-law: Violet Haak of Rock Valley, IA, Phyllis and Elmer Haak of Linton, ND, Berneice Wester of Bismarck, ND, Carol and Eldon Nelson of Linton, ND, Angie Van Beek of St,. Cloud, MN and Elaine and Larry Doeden of Williston, ND and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Lynn; two brothers: Gerald and Terry; one sister, Florence and three brothers-in-law: Velman Wester, Pete Haak and Edwin Nieuwsma.