Garold William Beaster

Garold 'Jerry' Beaster, passed away at age 97, on Nov. 18, 2012 in Stoughton, WI. He was born on June 5, 1915 in Pierre, South Dakota, the son of Frank and Belva Beaster. Jerry grew up in Bloomington, WI and graduated from high school there. He earned a degree in agriculture from UW Platteville. In college he was a gifted boxer, earning the nickname 'The Horizontal Kid.' He also coached boxing. After college he served in the Navy, stationed in Norman, Oklahoma. He married Becky Nogle on June 5, 1942. Jerry started agricultural education programs in several northern Wisconsin schools, and taught until 1956. He then went into agricultural sales in New Hampton, IA, later moving to Stoughton WI. In his younger years he was an avid skier, and encouraged his sons in many outdoor activities, including pole vaulting, archery, and the trampoline. After retiring in 1977, he spent winters in Ellenton, FL, and summers in Ellison Bay, WI. Becky passed away in 1992, and he later married June Strelow, 'the girl next door.' He enjoyed going to Broadway plays, decorating his home for the holidays, and taking cruises to exotic locations. He won gold, silver and bronze medals in the bicycling time trials at the Florida Senior games. He was an advocate for Door County at every opportunity, and volunteered at Peninsula Players, American Folklore Theater, Peninsula Music Festival, and was especially proud of his years as a Birch Creek Associate. He is survived by his sons, Bill (Kay) Beaster of Neenah, WI and Dubuque, IA, Robert (Dixie) Beaster of Fort Atkinson, WI, Mark (Jeanne) Beaster of Madison, WI, and Michael (Pam) Beaster of Sister Bay, WI; two granddaughters, Sarah and Betsy; and great-granddaughter Ayiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Belva Beaster; sister, Beth Molanari; daughter-in-law, Ann Beaster; and wives, Becky and June Beaster. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Birch Creek Music Performance Center, P. O. Box 230, Egg Harbor, WI 54209.