David O. Beyer

Mr. David O. Beyer, 88, passed away on Friday December 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 & Virginia (Housley) Beyer. In 1941, with his family, he moved to a farm in Red Springs, Wisconsin. During his teenage years he built a desk, storage chest and helped build the Gresham H.S. Ag building. Dave played trumpet in the Gresham H.S. Band and graduated in 1952. Dave met his bride, Ernestine Hodel, a registered nurse on a blind date and on November 29, 1957, he married his soul mate 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 ft. extension on the barn. Dave and Ernestine dedicated 35 years to the 400-acre Oak Ridge Farm. He built 2 - 85 ft. 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, Wisconsin 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 Packer 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, WI; 4 loving children, Julie (Kurt) Seidler of Germantown, WI, Sandra (Stuart) Gardner Colleyville, TX, Dr. James (Sheryl) Beyer of Brodhead, WI, Daniel (Fusun) Beyer of Franklin, TN; 5 marvelous grandchildren Nicholas (Carrie) Seidler, Stephanie (Matthew) Ziesmer, David (Paige) Beyer, Ann Beyer, and Sean Beyer; along with 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 Dr. William (Kaye) and Edward and grandsons James and Matthew Gardner. Also Dave’s lifelong friend and cousin Jack Schmidt. In lieu of gifts the family has requested memorials to Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano, WI. A Celebration of Life is planned for the summer.

David O. Beyer

July 8, 1933 - December 3, 2021