Herbert Beyer

Herbert Beyer, 95, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at home while in the care of his family.

He was born March 20, 1921, in Wausau, to the late Gustav Beyer and the late Louise (Liebers) Beyer. He married Diana Kurth on October 11, 1947 in Wausau. She preceded him in death on September 5, 2002.

Herbert was raised on a farm in the town of Texas, the eldest of six children. While in grade school his father taught him masonry and concrete construction. At age 17 he was sent out to cement barns and install barn equipment. He then went on to build stone foundations and fireplaces. Many currently in the masonry trade can trace their lineage back to him. At 19 he started building barns (42) and additions (16). He was classified 1A for military service but twice farmers went to the draft board with petitions to have him deferred so he could build their barns. He enjoyed working with wood and restoring old log buildings, including his own 200 year old log cabin. Herb and Diana loved sharing it and their land for family reunions and John and Sharon Uttech's wagon trains. He enjoyed teaching his skills to others. Herb demonstrated broad ax log hewing for a number of years at the Wisconsin River LogJam, and also Wittenberg's and Mosinee's first LogJams.

Herbert was also considered by many to be a local historian. He loved to learn and share stories about the history of this area and the people who worked so hard to build it. He had a genuine love for people and a generous giving spirit; willing to drop whatever he was doing to go help someone in need. He enjoyed his family, relatives, many dear friends, as well as traveling, hunting, hiking, and reading. We will miss his smile, stories, wonderful sense of humor, and seeing him drive his 1956 black International pickup. Our hearts are comforted knowing he is now with Diana and his Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Till we meet again…

He is survived by two daughters, Marilyn of Wausau and Eileen (John) Gerhart of Las Vegas, Nevada; one granddaughter, Jacqueline Gerhart of Madison, WI; one sister, Olga (Howard) Wolfe of Albany, WI; and two brothers, Alfred (Nona) Beyer of Wausau and Gerald (Carol) Beyer of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Annabelle Gohdes; and a brother, Donald.

Visitation will be held at Helke Funeral Home, 302 Spruce St., Wausau, on Friday, March 3, 2017 beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4 at Calvary Lutheran Church, N365 Cain Creek Road (Town of Pine River), Merrill, WI, with Rev. Susan Christian officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Our family extends sincere thanks and appreciation to all who called, visited, and expressed their love, and to Wausau Manor Nursing Home and AseraCare Hospice for their loving, compassionate care.