Richard “Dick” Leonard Beer, age 86, of Hudson, WI, passed away on April 19, 2024, at St. Croix Health Center in New Richmond, WI.

Richard was born on May 27, 1937, to parents Leonard and Esther (Pabst) Beer in Stillwater, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Burkhardt, WI. After graduating from Hudson High School Richard married Philippine “Phyl” (Meixner) on November 7, 1959 in Stillwater, MN. Their marriage was blessed with three children Dan, Laurie and Jeff. Richard joined the National Guard and was stationed in Tacoma, WA during the Berlin Crisis.

Richard was the fourth generation to farm the Beer homestead, first established in 1877. He began farming with his dad at an early age and through his years, raised dairy cows and beef cattle before switching to crops. He found enjoyment when people passing by would stop to get photos of his sunflowers. He took great pride in his fields when he knew others could enjoy them. In 2009, Richard’s family farm was recognized at the Wisconsin State Fair as a Century Farm which he accepted with great honor.

Richard hunted in his younger years and took annual fishing trips to Canada. Also, you could find him fishing at their family cabin on Wapogasset Lake. Richard and Phyl enjoyed traveling and camping in their 5th wheel. They would go south to visit relatives and met others along the way who became friends that they would reunite with year after year. Richard and Phyl had traveled much of the area between Arizona and Florida, but Branson, MO would often be a 3-6 week stop. They enjoyed all the entertainment and shows the area had to offer.

Richard was great at using his hands to make or fix things. He enjoyed creating stained-glass pieces to give away for others to enjoy. Richard remodeled both the family farm and the cabin, which were major undertakings as he made many additions and added basements to both properties. He loved creating elaborate Easter egg hunts for his grandchildren, which usually involved treasure maps and riddles. For many years he planted a four plus acre field of sweet corn. Kids and grandkids had fun picking and selling it, friends and family came to help freeze excess and of course everyone enjoyed eating it. He also helped pick and gave many dozen away. He even took a stab at tapping trees for maple syrup and making homemade wine. He had many great talents and enjoyed staying busy.

Richard will be greatly missed by his children Dan Beer, Laurie (Pat) Collova, Jeff (Jean) Beer; grandchildren Charlie (Erin) Beer, Ryan (MacKenzie) Beer, Nicholas (Chelsea) Olsen, Michael (Caitlin) Olsen, Martin (Carrie) Collova, Marcy (Josh) Collova, Marlon Collova; great grandchildren Clara, Wynn, August, Elliott, Martin, Sam, Lola, Hunter, Berlyn, Chloe, George, Oliver; brother Ronald (Linda) Beer; brother-in-law Don (Linda) Meixner; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Philippine “Phyl” Beer; an infant child; daughter-in-law Kim Beer; and parents Leonard and Esther Beer.

A Visitation for Richard will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1097 Scott Rd. Hudson, WI 54016. Service will start at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Willow River Cemetery.

Funeral services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.