William M. 'Bill' Beyer

William M. “Bill” Beyer, age 93, of Gleason, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Bill was born on November 12, 1930, in the Town of Schley, Lincoln County, son of the late William J. and Jessie (Fox) Beyer. He married Marion Kanitz on April 7, 1956, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. Bill served in the Army where he received the National Defense Services Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Germany for a part of his tour. After leaving the service he worked for the Lincoln County Highway Department for 34 years until the early 1990’s as a heavy equipment operator. Bill started to play the accordion when he was around age 16. Throughout the years he played with many musicians including the Louis Zdrazil Recording Orchestra and in the Beyer Two polka band with his son Alan.

Bill loved to hunt and fish. He harvested trophy deer during both the archery and gun hunting seasons. He also caught a lot of brook trout fishing in the local creeks and rivers. Bill enjoyed working with his Kubota tractor, cutting firewood and riding his 4-wheelers on his property. Bill enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, skiing, camping and spending time with his wife and children. During his 30+ years of retirement, Bill and Marion met with friends daily at the local McDonald’s to enjoy each other’s company.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marion Beyer; 3 children, Alan (Georgie Johns) Beyer, Janis Beyer, and Jeffry (Leah) Beyer; 5 grandchildren, Logan and Jacob Beyer, Kylie (TJ) Brunett, Konnor and Kamryn Beyer; 2 great-grandchildren, Jackson and Ella Brunett; and sister, Barbara Holtz. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Jessie Beyer; sisters, Wilma Shankwitz and Nettie Jirtle; and brother, Ronald Beyer.

The funeral service for Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill. The Rev. Michael Southcombe will preside. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church. The burial will take place at a later date in the Forest View Cemetery.

In remembrance of Bill’s life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Special thank you to all that cared for Bill at the Woodland Court Elder Services and Pine Crest Nursing Home.

Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com