Obit: Beyer, Walter W.A. (1918 - 2011)

Contact: Stan
Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Beyer, Meihak, Tews, Jake, Hagedorn, Zschernitz, Krehmeyer, Knoop Fure, Schecklman, Biesterveld

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 04/15/2011

Beyer, Walter W.A. (11 MAR 1918 - 13 APR 2011)

NEILLSVILLE -- Walter William August Beyer, 93, of Neillsville, peacefully entered eternal life at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, in the Palliative Care Unit of Ministry Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield.

Walter was born March 11, 1918, at home in Neillsville. He was the eldest child of Richard and Hattie (Meihak) Beyer. God brought Walter into his kingdom through Holy Baptism on April 7, 1918. Walter was confirmed into the Lutheran faith June 12, 1932.

He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1936. After graduation, Walter worked at various jobs in the surrounding area, including working at the O.W. Trindell Feed Mill. He was drafted into the United States Army on Jan. 18, 1943, and served in the European Theatre during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a corporal Feb. 5, 1946.

After his military career, Walter was deputy county clerk. He married Edna E. Tews on May 4, 1946. They then bought the IGA store in Neillsville and managed it for a few years. Walter then started working for the city of Neillsville. He became the superintendent of the water and sewage department until his retirement in 1984. Walter spent the last 11/2 years living at the Neillsville Retirement Community. He was so grateful for the wonderful caring people there; it made his stay feel like he was at home.

Walter's first wife, Edna, passed away Sept. 20, 1961. He married Blanche Jake on Sept. 11, 1971. She died April 7, 2010.

He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville and held various offices throughout his life. He was also a member of the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post 73 in Neillsville, where he held the office of adjutant for many years.

He is survived by four children, Gordon R. "Zeb" Beyer of Neillsville, Nancy (John) Hagedorn of Neillsville, Karen (Alan) Zschernitz of Marshfield and Gary Beyer of Neillsville. He is further survived by his siblings, Harold Beyer of Neillsville, Alice Tews of Neillsville and Robert (Pauline) Beyer of Shawano. Grandchildren are Todd R. (Kristi) Krehmeyer, Bryan J. (Kristi) Krehmeyer, Lacy (Jeremy) Knoop, Scott Beyer and Riley Beyer. Great-grandchildren are Lauren, Michael, Taylor, Haley and Grayson.

He is further survived by stepchildren, Jackie (Jim) Schecklman and Diane "Penny" Jake; step-grandchildren, Kelly Fure, James (Tammy) Schecklman Jr., Cindy Schecklman, Dana (Matt) Biesterveld and Michael Jake; and great-step-grandchildren, Dusty, Sean, Molly, Marnie, Jake, Maxwell, Luke, Steve and Alex.

He was preceded in death by his wives; his parents; a brother-in-law, Edgar Tews; sisters-in-law, Helen Beyer and Florence Beyer; and stepson, Steve Jake.

Walter was a peace-loving strong and gentle man. He had a strong Christian faith and love of family. He especially loved family get-togethers. He had a warm sense of humor and will be sorely missed.

Funeral services for Walter will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Music will be provided by Judy Trunkel, organist. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Neillsville Veterans Council. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Casketbearers are Todd Krehmeyer, Bryan Krehmeyer, Scott Beyer, Riley Beyer, Robert Beyer Jr. and Scott Tews.

Memorials may be directed to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Visit www.GescheFH.com to express your condolences.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Walter's family with funeral arrangements.