Ishpeming – Donald Beer – age 88, longtime West Ishpeming resident, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where he was a resident for the past 14 months.


Donald was born February 4, 1924 in Ishpeming the son of the late James P. and Lillie (Carlyon) Beer. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, class of 1942. Donald served his country during World War II in the Army Air Force in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, having received 5 bronze battle stars. Donald returned following World War II and was employed by Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. as a plumber, retiring in 1982 from the Brownstone Shops in Ishpeming following 35 years with the company. He was a member of the Ishpeming VFW and the Ishpeming Beagle Club. Donald's hobbies included woodworking, hunting both deer and with his beagles, time spent on his CB radio where he had the handle "Beer Can" and playing games on the computer.


Survivors include 2 daughters – Linda (John) Polkinghorne of West Ishpeming and Laurel (Tom) Vicary of Houston, TX, 3 grandchildren – Dawn Richards of L'Anse, Sean (Diane) Vicary of Houston, TX and Brent (Michelle) Vicary of Cypress, TX, 5 great grandchildren – Ashlee Richards, Alison, Rebecca, Ashlyn and Taylor Vicary, along with a great great granddaughter Kaylee Massie. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris in 1998 and his parents.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 12:30pm on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 12:30pm on Wednesday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate, with Military Honors by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 at the conclusion of the services. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services at the Ishpeming VFW.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter at www.upaws.org in Donald's memory.