Kenneth A. Beier

Kenneth A. Beier, 95, formerly of Ripon and Oshkosh, WI, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in Lady Lake, FL where he has resided for several years.

Ken, KB, was born six months before Anne Frank, on January 26, 1929, the son of Earl and Pearl (Loechelt) Beier, and was joined by a sister, Charlotte (Wehrmann). He helped his father on the farm, before graduating from Ripon Sr High School in 1949. It was here he met his wife, the former Pearl Gneiser. They were united in marriage on May 19, 1951. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage before Pearl passed away September 12, 2002.

Ken served his country in the Air Force from July 1950-July 1954, being stationed in Japan when his son James was born.

Ken worked at Speed Queen for many years, while increasing his education and skills in the Tool and Die department. He also worked at McDowell Tank of Princeton, before starting KB Sales and Service. Ken assisted his wife Pearl, at Pearl’s House of Fashion, as Chief Advisor, maintenance man and pigeon poacher.

Ken met Katharina Werba of Oshkosh in 2003. They made their home in Oshkosh and later Lady Lake. They loved to dance! She survives him.

Ken was a former Ripon City Alderman and a member of Grace Lutheran Church. He belonged to VFW, Jaycees, Deuces Wild couples club and was a charter member of Club Med.

KB loved all sports, spending countless hours on the ball diamond with his son. He loved to bowl and golf, carding his first official hole in 1 at the age of 83. The Brewers, Badgers and Packers filled his spectating hours along with Fox News.

He is survived by a son, James “Beez” Beier, wife Jennifer, and their family, Megan (Kevin) Meyer, Ian, Wes, Emma and Dekker and Sara (Adam) Simonis, Laila, Milee and Lennon; daughters, Barbara Pretasky, her husband Harold (Bud) and Kathy Fredrick, husband Keith and his daughters, Ashley (Zach) Johnson, Jenna (Kelly) Ashbeck, and Brooke Fredrick; a niece, Roxy (Jerry) Robl; and many cousins.

He is further survived by his partner, Katharina and her son, David Werba and his wife Sheryl.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Pearl; his parents, Earl and Pearl, in-laws, Gordon and Emma Gneiser; sister and brother-in-law, Charlotte and Ray Wehrmann; and nephew, Rick Wehrmann. 

Inurnment at Woodlawn Cemetery to follow at later date along with a Celebration of Life in Ripon.