On Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 at 5:24pm, Wayne Ralph Beeler was called home to heaven to spend Christmas with those who went before him.
Wayne was born March 19th, 1928 in Biddle, MT, the oldest child of Lealta Edna Jones and Lloyd Claroin Beeler. He attended school in Biddle and Broadus and enlisted in the Navy at the young age of 17. He served in WWII aboard the USS Gatner APD42 and USS Passaconaway in the Asia-Pacific Theatre including Samoa, the Philippians, Japan, Figi, Africa and the Guadle Canal and was honorably discharged.
One of his first jobs upon his return was as an orderly at the VA hospital in Miles City. After that he was employed as a fireman on the railroad in Forsyth, tire recaper for Beacon Carter, roofer for Gene Cutting, a mechanic, over the road truck driver and worked as a heavy equipment operator on road construction for numerous companies, the last of which was E.H. Oftedal and Sons. His job with them took him to many places including Colstrip, Wyoming and Sidney.
In 1967, on Christmas Eve, Wayne proposed to the love of his life, with a tab from a pop can with a stone he welded on it. They were together for 18 years when they were blessed with a daughter, Addibeth Edna. They were married on January 24th, 1987.
Three months later, while working in Sidney, he suffered his first massive heart attack, after which he was not able to return to the job he so enjoyed.
Wayne enjoyed spending his retirement years, fishing, boating, hunting, camping, welding and building trailers, making blue ribbon winning wines and taking the back roads. He could truly find enjoyment in the simple things in life. He spent time taking pictures, volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul and making diamond willow canes. He loved his family, God, his country and nature.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Phebe Beeler of Miles City, their daughter Addi (Dean) Hanvold (Dean’s children Jenn (Justin) Schaefer and Matt Hanvold) of Miles City, his sons: Blake Beeler of Miles City, Wayne (Kim) Beeler of Jacksonville, OR, Dale (Chere’) Beeler of Eagle Point, OR, and daughters: Audrey Beeler of Central Point, OR, Becky Beeler of Arizona, Sandra (Robert) Schoen of Otterville, MO, and Sandra Ostwald of South Dakota, his brother Corky Beeler of Auburn, WA, sister Merna Martelle of Miles City, numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents Andy & Nella Jones, his parents, 13-month old sister Joycie, brother Lee Gene, and close friends: Jim Quinlan, Dean King, Louie Kurtz and Les & Ron Young and numerous other friends and family.
Wayne was always the first to lend a helping hand to a friend or a stranger and gave of himself unconditionally. He was a loving and caring man who’s laughter and spirit will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home followed by a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 28, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday December 28, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 27, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday December 28, 2012
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday December 28, 2012
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dannette Cremer says
Phebe, So sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him greatly. Prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
James L. Arneson says
Sorry to hear of Wayne passing. Such a loss of a husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. My heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow. My the best of memories remain fresh in your hearts during this time of sorrow.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thought and prayers are with your family at this time.
anonymous says
i only got to meet wayne once he is my grandfather .. but he touched my heart
in so many ways just that one time it was me and my daughter which is his great granddaughter he just smiled and smiled nothing could bring him down it tore my heart when i found out he passed just days after i met him i was told it was a miracle that i got to meet him just before he passed. my heart goes to you and your family i wish i could get to know you guys more prayers from me my dad and daughter<3
Cyndie & Sheldon Hanvold says
Phebe, Addi and family, may you find peace and strength at this difficult time knowing he is resting peacefully in Gods hands. Our prayers are with you.
Merril Hoebelheinrich says
Phoebe, and Addi i’m so sorry for your loss
Wayne will always be remembered in the hearts of so many people. Wayne was a good friend and will be missed
once again so sorry for your loss Phoebe
love n prayers
Merril Hoebelheinrich says
Phoebe, and Addi
Wayne will always be remembered in the hearts of so many people. Wayne was a good friend and will be missed
once again so sorry for your loss Phoebe
love n prayers
Kathy Berscheid says
Dear Phoebe, you and Wayne will forever be in my memories. What an honor to know both of you and care for for such a wonderful Veteran! You were an unfailing, devoted and respected companion! God bless you, honey.
With sincere sympathy,
Kathy Berscheid, LPN ( VA retired)
Serena & Wayne Wetherelt Jr. says
Hugh, Valli & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you cherish the many memories you have of your precious one. We have been thinking of you.
Take care.
Kelli Klein says
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, Blake. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Sandra Beeler Ostwald says
May you rest in peace, May the lord greet you at the heavenly gates, Blake I am sorry you lost your dad, Phebe and Addi, I hope you find peace, and happiness,
Sandra Beeler/Schoen says
Loving thoughts to Dads family and friends. I’m sure you will be greatly missed! May you find peace and happiness in your new life, with GOD.
Lois O'Dea & Family says
Dear Phebe and Family;
Our Love and Deepest sympathy in the loss of Wayne. He was always a Forever friend to all of us! Lois O’Dea and Family