The Grand
Marais Gazette
Newspaper
Grand Marais, Michigan 49839
OBITUARIES
NEAL W. BEAVER
Neal
W. Beaver, age 83, of Box 207,
Grand Marais “walked on” at Marquette General Hospital on Saturday,
January 20, 2007 at 2:50 a.m. Born in Kalkaska County on June 9, 1923 to
Dewey and Esther (nee Vipond) Beaver, Neal moved to Grand Rapids at age
three where his father was a career police officer. He graduated from
Wyoming Park High School in 1940 and entered the U.S. Army with the
Michigan National Guard. He enjoyed military service eventually rising
through most enlisted positions and attaining the rank of 1st
Lieutenant. Neal served as commanding officer of H Company, 508 parachute
Infantry of the 82nd Airborne during all of their combat
operations in Europe during WWII. His platoon’s wild ride in three lone
aircraft in the Invasion Operation (D-Day) has been well documented in
several publications. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, four
battle stars and several unit and individual commendations. After his
discharge from the Army, Neal graduated from Toledo University with a
Bachelor of Science in Mathematic Education. He was recalled to duty for
the Korean War. Neal was seriously injured in a failed parachute accident
and discharged in 1953. He served twenty years as an industrial engineer
prior to his return to Grand Marais and serving as the high school
mathematics teacher for sixteen years.
Neal married Ruth Poll on December 24, 1942 and considered his happy marriage for sixty-four years as the most successful accomplishment of his adult life. He served as the Burt Township Supervisor, Burt Twp. School Superintendent, and chairman of the Alger County Road Commission. Neal and Ruth were partners in two businesses; the Grand Marais Pilot and the Beaver House, a general store.
He is survived by his wife and partner Ruth and four children; Wayne of Dallas, TX; Gary (Linda) of Las Vegas, NV; Kevin (Dale Anne) of Gladstone; Renee’ (Bob) Stocking of Grand Marais. The Beavers enjoy nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Neal was a member of several Veterans organizations and still maintained correspondence with a few paratrooper survivors of WWII. He was an avid fly fisherman for only one species – Brook Trout.
Upon Neal’s wishes, there will be no funeral services held in his memory. His obituary may be read and guestbook notes and remembrances left at www.bowermanfuneralhome.net
P.O. Box 370
Grand Marais Michigan 49839
(906) 494-2492
Email:
Grand Marais Gazette