Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation, for they are us. Our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.” –Albert Einstein
Beloved husband and father, CW3 Leroy G. Beyer, went to Glory yesterday evening, 7 Apr 2019, at the age of 82. A beautiful soul – kind, gentle and reserved – is now at peace, pain free, and in his eternal home.
Lee was born on March 21, 1937, to George and Rose Beyer, in Belleville, Illinois. An avid athlete at Belleville Township High School, he was a Letterman, playing football, ping pong, and throwing disc. For many years, he held the school’s discus throw record and his disc was displayed in the school’s trophy case. An excellent student, he was an even better son, helping his mom and dad every night from midnight to 4:00 am with their paper route, delivering the St Louis Post Dispatch.
After high school, Lee enlisted in the US Army and began traveling the world. During his first tour in Germany, Lee met the love of his life – Karin, his constant and loving companion for the next 60 years of his life. He retired from Army Calibration after 22 years of dedicated service. Lee loved his born family and his adopted family-in-law, heralded as the “best son-in-law/brother-in-law” by Karin’s parents and brother. Lee loved to laugh, enjoyed music, and had a penchant for solving puzzles and riddles – real or games. His greatest passion was the happiness and well-being of his family, for which we have all prospered and are filled with beautiful, poignant memories.
Lee is survived by his loving wife, Karin, his daughter, Brig Gen Patty (an AF JAG), his son Col (ret) Lee (AF MD), his brother Charles and his family, his aunt Bonnie Lapka and her extended family, his brother-in-law Horst Gerngreif and his family, and his cousin-in-law Rolf-Guenter Schmidt and his family. He was predeceased by his father, Leroy C. Beyer, his mother, Rose M. Beyer, and his uncle Joseph Lapka.
He will be missed more than words can express and cherished dearly. Lee’s passing is not the end, because he left behind so many memories that will live on, including the lessons he taught and the love he gave so fiercely. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial for having stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
Memorial and celebration of CW3 Leroy Beyer’s life will be held on April 11, 2019, starting at 3:00 p.m., at Berryhill Funeral Home and Crematory at 4:00 p.m. Send your condolences and special memories on line at _____________________
In lieu of flowers, please consider sharing stories about him to celebrate the full and lovely life he lived, and donating to your worthy causes for 2019.
