April 7, 1936 –July 7, 2023
Margaret 'Marge' Beer, 87, of Isabel passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Watertown.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Marge was held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Isabel with burial in the Hillview Cemetery at Isabel.
Margaret Ann Alley was born April 7, 1936 to Catherine (Anglin) and John Alley. She attended country school through the 8th grade in rural Firesteel and graduated from Isabel High School with the class of 1954. Marge furthered her education at Mount Marty College in Yankton earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Teacher Education.
Marge married Adolph Beer on June 29, 1963. They were blessed with five children: Craig, Eddie, Cathy, Doug and Nancy.
Marge’s life was dedicated to her faith and her family. Church and family rosaries were non-negotiable. A quote of St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary” reminds of how Marge lived her life. She was a quiet, contemplative soul known for her hospitality and nonjudgmental care.
Her biggest joy was having all her kids around the kitchen table. They played cards, told stories, and enjoyed meals or afternoon coffee and cookies.
She enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning, sharing a cup of hot coffee, taking care of her chickens and bum lambs, playing Pinochle and games with family and friends. She developed lifelong friendships while working on projects and prayer blankets. She enjoyed reading religious books and doing puzzles. Spoiling her grandchildren was her favorite activity. She had a gift for making each one of them feel loved and special.
Marge had a passion for educating students. She taught several years in various locations before taking a break to raise her own family. She returned to teaching for 16 more years in Isabel before retiring in 2001.
Marge was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She served in various capacities including the Altar Society, teaching CCD, and the prayer blanket ministry.
Grateful for sharing her life and being the recipient of her prayers are her children: Craig (Layna) Beer of Port Charlotte, FL, Edward (Gina) Beer of rural Isabel, Catherine Peckham of Glenwood, IA, Douglas (Carrie) Beer of rural Isabel and Nancy (Thane) Crump of Watertown; seven grandchildren: Logan (Katie) Beer of Thurman, IA, Shayla Beer of rural Isabel, Brooke (Devon) Barrett of Gretna, NE, Cole Peckham of Glenwood, IA, Bradyn Beer, Luke Beer and Brace Beer of rural Isabel; six great-grandchildren: Treyden Beer and Tenley Webb; Colter, Peyton and Case Barrett; and Talan Beer; sisters in-law Karen Beer of Pierre, Karen Beer of Lemmon, Maureen Beer of Timber Lake and Roberta Alley of Burien, WA; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph in 2020; her parents; sisters Viola Smolik, Genevieve Reich, and Mary Hulm; and brothers Elmer, Robert, Maurice, Eugene, Donald, William, Jack and two infant brothers; son-in-law Dale Peckham; along with numerous brothers- and sisters-in-laws-.
(Eddie Beer’s address is 22265 SD HW 20, Isabel, SD 57633.)