Petronella “Nellie” M. (Gietman) Bekx, of Kimberly, passed away at Country Villa, Freedom on May 28, 2026. She was born February 21, 1932, in Eindhoven, Holland to the late Peter and Christina (Janssen) Gietman.

Nellie immigrated from Holland to Kimberly, WI in 1954, with her whole family after World War II. Six years later, she became an American citizen. Nellie enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life. She was a bit of a card shark and especially loved to play sheephead with her family and friends. She was masterful at knitting and crocheting, and every stitch was created with love to become unique and treasured gifts. She made potholders, sweaters, and Christmas stockings among many other items that have become family keepsakes.

She found the love of her life Ted Bekx and married him on July 27, 1957, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Kimberly. She was a stay-at-home mom and loved it. Nellie and Ted moved to Combined Locks in 1961. There, she became involved in the CCD program at St Paul’s Catholic Church. She taught second and fifth grades for 18 years. She took care of the altar linens and polishing the candle holders.

She started working at the visiting nurses and did home care, working mostly with hospice patients. She loved her work. Nellie and Ted spent 15 years in Texas during the winter months. In 2001, she started volunteering at St Joseph Food Program on Monday mornings. She also became a member of St Paul’s Christian Services and helped at various projects. In addition, she was an active member of St Paul Care Ministry taking care of people who lost a loved one.

Most importantly, Nellie loved her God, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren! She absolutely adored them all and showered each and every one of them with love and prayers endlessly. Nellie and Ted molded their children into the people they are today. She encouraged each of them in their pursuits. She instilled each of them with the values that have guided their lives and was proud of each of them.

She is survived by her children: Edward (Katie) Bekx, Chris (Dan) Verbeten, Peter (Karen) Bekx, Ted (Amy) Bekx, Paul (M. Tracy) Bekx; 13 grandchildren: Robbie (Amber) Bekx, Danny (Katie) Bekx, Sean (Kim) Bekx, Lauren (Max) Coonen, Josh (Tristan) Verbeten, Jordan (Allison) Bekx, Amanda (fiancé Elliott Van Stiphout) Bekx, Parker Bekx, Andy (Maureen) Bekx, Jason (Tiffany) Bekx, Samantha Bekx, Adam Bekx, Sarah Bekx; and great grandchildren: Owen, Ashlyn, Wesley, Jaxton, Kelton, Reed, Eva, Jagger, Jovie, Noah, Rowan, Sterling, and Charlotte. In addition, she is survived by her brother John Gietman, sister-in-law Karen Gietman, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Theodore, granddaughter Christine Bekx, her parents, her brothers: Peter Gietman, Bert Gietman, Jake Gietman, and sisters-in-law Barb Gietman and Jan Gietman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday June 19, 2026, at 12:00pm, at Holy Spirit Parish, 600 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until mass begins. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.