This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ChgoKid Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.shawano/16838/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Obituaries: Oshkosh Area (WI) - September 24, 2006 Deceased Name: Douglas J. Beyer Mr. Douglas Jerome Beyer of Neenah, WI passed away with honor and grace in the care of our Lord Jesus Christ early this morning at his beloved home in Neenah, WI with his wonderful wife of 55 years, Shirley, near his side. Doug was born on January 15, 1930 in Oshkosh, WI, the proud son of Clarence and Grace Beyer. His sister Charmaine preceded him in death and his treasured brother Gary and sister-in-law Julie live in Oshkosh. He graduated from Neenah High School in 1948 where he nurtured his exceptional skills in art, architectural design and drafting. Doug married Shirley Van Asten of Little Chute, WI on August 25, 1951. It was love at first sight for Doug and he often proudly told the story of how he had said to Shirley "I'm going to marry you" when he dropped her off at her home after the very first time they had met. As he'd said, "you can imagine how she felt about that comment" but he said it just came out naturally and he'd never came close to feeling that way before! . They were clearly a match made in heaven and their devoted love for each other was always readily detectable. He knew the greatest blessing in his life was his wife and true love Shirley. Doug and his highly respected father worked closely together for seven memorable years building his parents gorgeous, stone enhanced home in Neenah while continuing to work full-time at the Neenah Foundry. This home, which is next door to his own, was featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine and the two of them had never even laid a stone or foundation block in their lives prior to tackling this extensive project. His associated talents were never to be underestimated. He had a tremendous eye for creativity and beauty. His God given art abilities were consistently displayed throughout his life. He loved and appreciated the many beauties of nature. He always enjoyed walking in the woods and loved trees and flowers. Doug and Shirley had owned a beautiful, secluded piece of lakefront property since 1967 near Gresham, WI. In the early '80s he decided to not only tackle the challenge of designing a major renovation to their "cottage" (including the addition of a chalet-like ! barn) but created the heavily detailed blueprints and self-determined the necessary building materials right down to ordering the associated sizes and types of lumber, etc. himself. What a real masterpiece this endeavor became. Prior to its sale earlier this year Doug and Shirley along with numerous friends and family enjoyed many happy memories over the years at their "cottage." Doug worked at the Neenah Foundry company for 28 years. Most of those years were spent in various management capacities. He developed their first automated price book and designed the original NF logo. His considerable work in Sales Engineering facilitated improved duplication and accuracy during the product ordering process. Throughout his life Doug loved music and dancing. He and Shirley won numerous big band dance competitions in their early years together. To see them do the jitterbug together was always a real treat for anyone's eyes. He and his close friend and partner Frank Stanelle of Neenah were the original Tempo Tones Combo. Doug was a drummer and singer and Frank was the organist in their band. They played together for many years for numerous weddings, class reunions, parties and weekend engagements. Boy were they good and they sure were in high demand for a long time in and around the Fox River Valley area. One of Doug's only regrets is that they didn't have any! of their music knowingly recorded for future appreciation. His love of music kept him young and full of life. His beautiful enhanced Rogers drum set and cymbals are definitely a sight to behold. Doug passed with exceptional grace and dignity after a very difficult but steadfast battle. Proud survivors include his wife Shirley, his brother Gary (Julie), sisters-in-law Dottie (Jim) Hill of Neenah, Diane (Jim) Hoppe of Sheboygan and Mitz (Herb) Batley of Menasha along with several loved nieces, nephews and their wonderful children. Doug was preceded in death by his father in 1971 and his mother in 2005. He was also preceded in death by his sister Charmaine, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Audrey and Bob Byrne. Very sincere thoughts of thanks and appreciation go out to Dr. Carl Rasmussen of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Appleton along with the very capable and empathetic nursing and caregiver staff that work there. The Specialists involved with Doug's diagnosis and care were also excellent. One of his nurses specifically called Doug "a role model" and this fact was strongly endorsed by his other caregivers during his recent stay at St. Elizabeth's. He was so proud of that comment and we are all so proud of him. His strong faith and confidence in our Lord God was never more evident than during his final days on Earth. His biggest concerns were that Shirley and Gary would be well taken of care and that all his friends and family knew that he was ready to be with God. Funeral Services for Douglas J. Beyer will be held on Monday, September 25 at St. Gabriel's Church, 900 Geiger Street in Neenah at 11:30 am. Father Richard Allen will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 11:30 am. Entombment will be on Monday afternoon after the church proceedings at Lake View Memorial Mausoleum on 2786 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh at 3:00 pm. Westgor Funeral Home 205 W. Doty Avenue Neenah 722-7151 Obituaries: Oshkosh Area (WI) Date: September 24, 2006 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.