Percy LuVern Beier, 85, of rural Ontario was called to his eternal home Tuesday, April 26, 2011.
The youngest son of John and Ella (Schindler) Beier, he was born Aug. 20, 1925. He was preceded in death by his parents; a half brother, Frank Beier; a brother, Edwin Beier; a sister, Evelyn Heath; and a daughter, Joyce Beier.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Doris Beier; two daughters, Joann (Manuel) Miranda and Jeann (Bob) Farrar; a grandson, Trever (Tori) Farrar; as well as many other extended family members.
Percy lived on the family farm his entire life. He married his wife Doris on Dec. 25, 1950, and they farmed for the next 12 years. He then went into concrete construction, eventually starting his own company. Anyone who has traveled the streets of Elroy, Kendall, Wilton, Norwalk, Ontario, Tomah, Sparta or Mauston has likely walked or driven over curbs, gutters or sidewalks formed by Percy.
After retiring from concrete work, he logged with his son-in-law; that allowed him to spend countless hours in the great outdoors.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Percy delighted in sharing his love of the outdoors while building precious memories with his beloved grandson, Trever. In his youth, fox hunting was a big sport, and Percy’s lifetime total was more than 200 red fox. Always athletic, he not only enjoyed playing softball, but also was known to still climb trees after raccoons well into his 60s.
Another favorite hobby was beekeeping. Many friends and neighbors purchased honey or prevailed on his extensive knowledge to start beekeeping themselves.
He loved to share advice and stories on many different topics. He could fix “almost anything” and often made special tools or “gadgets” uniquely suited to the situation.
Percy’s friendly, good humor, easy-going temperament and willingness to help everyone will be a lasting legacy.
In the immortal and very appropriate words of Robert Louis Stevenson, “Home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter, home from the hill.”
A private service is planned. Burial will be at the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery.
