David O. Beyer, 88, passed away on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, in Sarasota, Florida.
An honorable man who was thoughtful, humble, wise, and kind. Dave was a devoted family man, an industrious builder, an intent listener, knowledge seeker, and held a deep understanding of many subjects. As a father, he instilled in us important lessons of life, kindness, respect, patience, loyalty, the value of family and a strong work ethic. We could always count on his friendly sense of humor, optimistic outlook and encouraging words.
Born on July 8, 1933, on a rural farm near Gooding, Idaho, Dave was the third son of Gabriel and Virginia (Housley) Beyer. In 1941, with his family, he moved to a farm in the Town of Red Springs. During his teenage years, he built a desk, storage chest and helped build the Gresham High School ag building. Dave played trumpet in the Gresham High School band and graduated in 1952. Dave met his bride, Ernestine Hodel, a registered nurse on a blind date, and on Nov. 29, 1957, he married his soulmate and love of his life.
Dave was ambitious and highly successful in two careers, first in farming and then in investing. He farmed with his father for a few years and built a 40-foot extension on the barn. Dave and Ernestine dedicated 35 years to the 400-acre Oak Ridge Farm. He built two 85-foot silos, a huge livestock barn to shelter 200 cows, a massive corn crib and a enormous farm equipment building. In recognition of his talent, visionary leadership and progressive farming approach, Dave earned the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1966.
In 1972, construction of their new ranch style home was completed, and the old farmhouse razed. In 1989, the cows were sold, and he semi-retired to Sarasota, Florida, during the winter months. After selling the farm in 1994, Dave and Ernestine made Germantown their summer residence. Dave was keenly interested in business, blue chip stocks, financial management and investing. In the 1990s, Dave had time to become a prolific investor and financial expert.
In his younger years, Dave enjoyed photography, bowling, music (brass band, Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass and up tempo classical), deer hunting, carpentry, snowmobiling, boating, horseback riding and attending Green Bay Packers football games. In 1970, Dave and Ernestine bought property on Big Lake in Wisconsin to provide recreation for their family. Together they built a beautiful A-frame style lake house, a dock with a swimming platform, hauled in loads of sand for a nice beach and boat launch.
During his retirement years, Dave loved traveling to Greece, Turkey, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Alaska. He stayed active with rounds of golf, playing pool, and attending Milwaukee Brewers baseball games.
The highest honor and a testament to a life well lived is to have those you love to name their children after you. Dave’s brother William, named his first-born son David Beyer. Dave’s son James and Sheryl named their first-born son David Lee Beyer, and daughter Sandra and Stuart named their first-born son James David Gardner.
Left to cherish Dave’s memory are his beloved wife of 64 years, Ernestine Beyer, of Germantown; four loving children, Julie (Kurt) Seidler, of Germantown, Sandra (Stuart) Gardner, of Colleyville, Texas, Dr. James (Sheryl) Beyer, of Brodhead, and Daniel (Fusun) Beyer, of Franklin, Tennessee; five marvelous grandchildren, Nicholas (Carrie) Seidler, Stephanie (Matthew) Ziesmer, David (Paige) Beyer, Ann Beyer and Sean Beyer; many relatives and friends. Dave will be missed by all and remembered for his wisdom, friendly smile, and gentle spirit.
Already in heaven are his wonderful parents; stepmother, Helen; dear brothers William (Kaye) and Edward; grandsons James and Matthew Gardner; and Dave’s lifelong friend and cousin, Jack Schmidt.
In lieu of gifts the family has requested memorials to Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano.
A celebration of life is planned for the summer.
David O. Beyer
