Cottage Grove, MN - Eric G. Beinlich Jr., age 92, of 6995 80th St., Cottage Grove, MN, and longtime Ishpeming resident passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, at the Norris Square Senior Living Community in Cottage Grove, MN while under the loving care of his family and the Optage Hospice.

Eric was born in Wilson, PA on February 4, 1929, a son of the late Hilda B. (Mack) and Eric G. Beinlich, Sr. He grew up in Easton, PA and was a graduate of Wilson High School, Class of 1946. Eric served in the United States Navy from 1946–1948, some of that time being spent aboard the USS Cambria, for which he received the World War II Victory Medal. Eric returned to Pennsylvania and entered college, receiving his degree in Mining Engineering from Lehigh University. During this time, he married Catherine Chenvert in 1951, who preceded him in death in 2010. Together they moved to Ishpeming in 1952, where they became part of the community and raised their family. Eric worked for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. for 35 years, retiring in 1987 as General Manager of North American Mines. In 2008, Eric and Cathie moved to Woodbury, MN.

Eric was very involved in the community and supporting his family's activities, which usually revolved around sports. He was president of the Babe Ruth League while his sons played, he pioneered, supported and was a volunteer coach for the Ishpeming wrestling program during his time in Ishpeming, and was an avid supporter of Ishpeming High athletic teams across the board. Eric also had a major impact away from the sports fields, serving as the Director and Chairman of the Bell Memorial Hospital Board, Director of the Bay Cliff Health Camp Board, and Director on the Miner's First National Bank Board. He was a devoted and ardent fisherman, a huge Green Bay Packers fan and season ticket holder from the Lombardi years to the present, as well as being a big fan of the Milwaukee Brewers. Eric was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church during his entire life in Ishpeming.

In addition to his wife and parents, Eric was preceded in death by his grandson Nathan.

Eric is survived by five sons, Eric Gregg (Lynda) Beinlich, of Oakdale, MN; Jeffrey (Diane) Beinlich, of De Pere, WI; Brad (Sally) Beinlich, of Madison, WI; Kurt (Lynette) Beinlich, of Hudson, WI; Greg (Teri) Beinlich, of Woodbury, MN; brother, Arthur (Sandy) Beinlich, and sister Arlene (Bert) Schwartz both of Bethlehem, PA; 15 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00am – 11:00am on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am on Monday with the Rev. Stacy Pethke to officiate. The Funeral will be livestreamed and may be found on Bethany Lutheran's Facebook Page at Facebook.com/715Mather/   A luncheon will follow the service in the church hall. Interment and Military Honors will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808 or at baycliff.org or to Bethany Lutheran Church, 715 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Eric's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.