John Thomas Beal

He was born in Sparta, Wis., on July 29, 1929, to Harry and Irene (Thomas) Beal and was a 1947 graduate of Bangor High School. John served in the United States Army after high school from 1947 to 1949. On January 15, 1955, he married Lorraine Marie Clements at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bangor.

John worked for Hormel in St. Paul, Minn., from 1949 until 1951, at which time, he began his career with the Trane Company in La Crosse. He worked in the companys International Division and traveled around the world on business. He retired from Trane in 2001.

John was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting and following Wisconsin sports teams. He was a life-long member of Bangor VFW Post 8278 and an active member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish where he served as an usher and was a member of the Mens Club.

John is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his children, Steven (Debra Murray) Beal, Paul (Mary) Beal, Thomas Beal (special friend, Becky Pfaff, Richard Beal, and William (Dawn) Beal; his six grandchildren, Jacob, David, Ethan, Ella, Nicole, and Michael; and his three great grandchildren, Alexis, Madison, and Jayden. He is also survived by his brothers, Harry Clyde Beal and Richard (Mina) Beal; and nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Delores Beal.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, December 7th, at 10:30 a.m., at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Rev. Douglas Robertson will officiate. Burial in the Catholic Cemetery will take place at a later date. Family and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be directed to Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse, or Lakeview Health Care Center. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family. Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com.