Helen Mae Beer

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Helen M. Beer, 90 of La Crosse, WI, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2015 in La Crosse, Wis.

Helen was born April 18, 1924, in Pittsburgh, PA. She was adopted by William A. and Josephine (Snyder) Schroeder. Following Josephine’s death, Helen was raised by William and his second wife Ruth. Helen was a child of the Depression and a proud member of “The Greatest Generation.”

On Feb. 22, 1944, Helen married her high school sweetheart, Thomas “Tom” Beer, and they had 68 wonderful years together before his death in 2012. Helen was a homemaker until her children left home. She then worked for the Verland Foundation in Pittsburgh and developed a rapport with the disabled people she cared for.

Helen and Tom moved from Pittsburgh to North Port, FL, in 1991 and enjoyed their retirement there. They made many wonderful friends and Helen was very active in their retirement community. She had a heart of gold and always had time to help friends. Helen and Tom moved to La Crosse, WI, in 2009, to be closer to family.

She is survived by her loving family including daughters, Barbara Beer, La Crosse, and Janet Brunn, Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren: Michael (Kellie) Brunn of Charlotte, NC; Brian (Rebecca) Frechette of San Diego, CA; Kevin (Sandra) Brunn of Rostock, Germany; and Beth (Eric) Davidson of Holmen, Wis. Helen had five great-grandchildren, Camden Brunn and Alexa, Clara and Mila Brunn, and Chloe Davidson. Helen is further survived by additional family members in Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom, her parents and an infant grandson.

Helen’s wish was to be cremated and inurned beside her husband at Oak Grove Mausoleum in La Crosse. Private family services will be held at a later date.

The family wants to thank the staff of Bethany Riverside Lighthouse and Hearten House for the amazing care they provided Helen. A special thank you also goes out to the amazing pet therapy volunteers who brightened Helen’s days with their wonderful visits.

The family requests memorials to Coulee Region Humane Society Pet Therapy Program.