Gerhardt J. Beske

Gerhardt J. Beske, 78 years, of Fox Lake, WI passed away peacefully into heaven on Monday, February 18, 2019 at the Christian Home in Waupun.

Visitation for Gerhardt will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home, N7199 N. Crystal Lake Road in Beaver Dam and on Monday, Feb. 25th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.  A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Philip Heyer officiating.  Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

Gerhardt was born January 30, 1941 the son of Clarence J. and Minnie (Wendorf) Beske in Beaver Dam.  He was baptized into Christ on March 2, 1941 and confirmed his faith on May 22, 1955 at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.  His confirmation verse was “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.  He was a 1959 graduate of Beaver Dam High School.  Gerhardt married Carol Collien on September 14, 1963 and they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Gerhardt began his farming career with his Father in 1959.  Together, he and his wife Carol owned and operated Beskill Chemical Co. from 1980 – 2015.  Gerhardt loved music, singing hymns, playing trombone in the high school band and listening and dancing to polka music.

Gerhardt was a faithful member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church. He was elected to serve at church at both St. John’s in Fox Lake and St. Stephen’s in Beaver Dam.  He was a member of St. Stephen’s Friendship League.

He also served his community as Supervisor and Town Chairman on the Fox Lake Town Board.  He served as a Director on the Flyway Mutual Insurance Co. Board.

His hobbies included restoring antique case machinery, woodworking and model railroads.  He loved sharing time with his grandchildren.  He had a passion for Golden Retrievers.  Gerhardt’s greatest enjoyment was visiting with family and friends.

Gerhardt is survived by his wife Carol; his four sons: Steven (Aneta) Beske of Greenfield, David Beske of Fox Lake, Kevin (Sue) Beske of Markesan and Glenn Beske of Fond du Lac; three grandchildren: James Beske, Seth Beske and Jenna Beske; his sister Jeanette Paul of Beaver Dam; sister-in-law Donna Beske of Beaver Dam and  brother-in-law Arlen Schellpfeffer of Brownsville.  He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clarence Jr. “Butch”, brothers-in-laws Gerald Yagodinski and Warren Paul and sister-in-law Marilyn Schellpfeffer.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.