Roman Nicholas Beelner was born December 13, 1921 to Elizabeth (Gehrens) and Conrad Beelner in Remsen, Iowa. He served our country during World War II and after his discharge met his future wife in Minnesota. Roman was confined to the hospital after a car accident and told a candy striper named Joyce Peterson he was going to marry her; six weeks later on September 29, 1947 he fulfilled his promise. Roman and Joyce moved to California in 1963, first to Brawley, then Delano and settling in Wasco in 1966. Roman worked as a tractor and farm equipment salesman for J.I. Case Co. until his semi-retirement in 1985, but kept busy selling part-time for many years. Roman was awarded the Salesman of the Year and won many trips for his outstanding salesmanship. This salesmanship extended to his fundraising abilities for the St. John's School and Hall; he and friend Gus Struempf sold 50/50 drawing tickets for many years, selling half of all tickets sold. Roman was active at St. John's Church and the Knights of Columbus earning 4th Degree Grand Knight. Roman enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino and in his youth, loved to dance with his wife. Part of Roman's daily routine was breakfast and lunch at Perko's and he will be missed by all the staff, and his many farming and coffee shop friends. Roman was preceded in death by his wife Joyce who passed away on January 13, 2001; son, Jerry, on October 2001 and infant daughter, Jill in 1952. He is survived by his children, Jack Beelner, Joe Beelner & wife Christine, Jayne and husband Kevin Streiff, all of Wasco; 5 grandchildren, Shera Fagundes & husband Tim, Joe Lee & wife Kabrina, Janelle Austin & husband Ken, Maureen Streiff & fiancée David Koons and Michelle Streiff; great grandchildren, Joey, Jacob, Kendrick, Lindsay, Andrew, Kaylee and soon to be born, Connor. A surviving sister, Lillian Tonsfeldt of Granville, Iowa, sister-in-law, Susan Juetten and husband Ken of Crystal, Minnesota, brother-in-law, Don Kolander of Fulda, Minnesota Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, January 7 at 7pm at St. Johns Church for Roman Beelner, age 88, of Wasco who passed away Sunday, January 3, 2010 at home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be said, Friday, January 8, at 10am. Fr. John Fluetsch will officiate and interment will follow at Wasco Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday, January 7 from 2pm to 8pm at Peters Funeral Home. Donations may be made to the Wasco Community Scholarship Association, PO Box 7, Wasco, CA 93280.