Henry J. Beyer, age 88 of Ellsworth, passed away July 30, 2019 at the Hammond Health Care Center surrounded by his family. Henry was born June 19, 1931 in Welch, MN, to Joseph and Mabel Beyer. Henry proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1948 – 1952. He was sent to Japan in 1948, and deployed to Korea at the beginning of hostility in 1950, where he served as a combat medic earning three bronze battle stars and two purple hearts. Henry returned to the States for a short stint as a recruiting officer for the United States Army / Air Force. He furthered his education, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. He was awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarship at the University of Colorado, Boulder for one year of graduate study in German. On August 7, 1955, he was united in marriage to Beverly Kroise. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Doug, Theodore, and Reinhart. On May 23, 1981, Henry married, Charlotte Marie Ann Schmolke. He gained four step-children, Lynda, Lonnie, Larry, and Leonard. Henry spent 25 years teaching in various high schools, then was employed by the Minnesota Veterans Department for 10 years, until his health forced him to early retirement in 1990.
Henry was an avid farmer and poultry lover. He enjoyed the peacefulness of the outdoors, fishing and golfing. Henry read voraciously, memorized numerous poems, and Bible verses, and loved reciting them. He loved every minute of life and lived it for his Lord, and his family. He treasured his time with his family, and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He was well traveled, with trips to the Orient, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, from east to west coast.
Henry will remain in the hearts of his wife, Charlotte; children: Douglas (Patti) Beyer, Theodore Beyer, Reinhart (Faye) Beyer, Lynda (Rick) Jacobsen, Lonnie Keck, Larry (Dana) Keck, and Leonard (Dory) Keck; 12 grandchildren; sister, Esther Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers; and 5 sisters.
A visitation will take place 3:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday, August 4, 2019 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant St., Ellsworth, and one hour prior to the service Monday at church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, August 5, 2019 at the Red Wing Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4652 Hwy 61 W., with Pastor John Johansen officiating. Casketbearers assisting with the services will be: Anders Beyer, Tristan Beyer, Madisen Keck, Noah Keck, Kristina York, and Lance Aster.
Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
