Dustin J. Beller, 28, Weippe
Dustin came into this world May 6, 1982 in Lewiston, to parents Mr. and Mrs. Beller. He was a healthy, happy, rambunctious boy, full of life and love for all. Dustin was a well-traveled Army child, living in Germany, Colorado and California with his grandparents trapping varmints, back to Germany, Kentucky and then returning to Idaho.
Dustin was a good student and athlete. He was a super baseball player and excellent football player. He and his brother played both sports well - sometimes on the same team and sometimes not, depending on their age. Sports was a family affair. Dad was a coach, mom was the "team mom, videographer and event coordinator," and his sister got into the act as part of the cheerleading squad for the Mighty Cardinals youth football team back in Kentucky. He began playing tackle football at age 11, so by the time he reached Jenifer Junior High School and Weippe Middle School, his experience was an asset. Those of you who were on the receiving end of his shoulder pads may remember the zeal with which he played the game.
Dustin loved to ride motorcycles, hunt, camp and fish. Whether with family, friends or alone, he enjoyed the outdoors. Dustin loved cars and dreamed of building a hot rod or cool pickup. Unfortunately, he lacked the skills and ended up with parts of many dreams. Dreams that were cut short at age 17 when a tumor was discovered in his brain, thus changing his future. Thanks to a shunt surgery, radiation treatment and his desire, he was a survivor.
A new chapter of Dustin's life had begun. Nine years ago, Dustin became a father to a son. He was as proud as any dad and loved his son with all of his heart. He still had dreams and desires; unfortunately, his condition prevented him from realizing most of them. He struggled, at times, due to the lack of reasoning skills we all take for granted, which caused him to end up in less than favorable circumstances. However, he never gave up and would move forward looking to the next day. He grew into a big, lovable bear, who usually had a smile and simple kindness he would give freely. Unable to work, Dustin spent his life on his terms the best he could. He still hunted, fished and camped, and was doing just that on his last day. He was camping and fishing with friends on the Orogrande near the North Fork of the Clearwater River. He had caught a whopper of a fish, retired to his tent, and passed in his sleep sometime in the early morning of Saturday, Aug.28, 2010. Dustin will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his son; his son’s mother; grandfather; father and his wife; mother; sister and his nephew; brother and his girlfriend; three stepsisters; three stepbrothers; two aunts; and many cousins from both sides of the family.
Dustin was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Jerry Beller and Lavonne Sevier; maternal grandmother, Claire Fezatt; stepmother Konnie Leiterman Beller; Uncle Michael Ryan; and close friend, Keri Baker.
A celebration of Dustin's life and a covered-dish meal is planned from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Weippe Senior Center.
The family asks that any memorials be sent to a charity of the donor's choice that will help those less fortunate in life.
Lewiston Tribune
Transcribed by Kerry Kasza