Tomah - Earl J. Bever, 95 of Tomah, died Saturday, April 15, 2023 suddenly at his home. He was born December 11, 1927 to Herman and Catherine (Henn) Bever on the family farm in Norwalk. He attended St. Mary’s School until the 10th Grade in Norwalk. He was united in marriage to Bernice Malec Newlun on October 9, 1971. She preceded him in death on May 15, 2015. Together they had a hobby farm outside of Tomah, where they worked side by side. They had a large vegetable garden and did a lot of canning, they raised beef and pork that he would share with their family during the holidays. Earl farmed for many years, worked at the PPP Model Ethanol Plant in Necedah for 15 years and did electrical work.
He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time hunting, fishing, and at the cabin in Eagles Nest. He had a strong faith and was a member of the Queen of Apostle’s Catholic Church at St. Mary’s and a former Knight of Columbus. He was a proud grandpa and loved his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. They will always remember driving the golfcart thru his trails in woods, hayrides, his teasing and joking that he was their “Bad Grandpa.” He always had a special way to make them smile and laugh. Earl will always be remembered for his big personality and being a great story teller.
He is survived by a daughter, Sandra (James) Jerabek of Watertown, 3 grandchildren, Brian (Tracy) Gehringer, Tammy (Larry) Melton, and Terra (Chris) Baars, 10 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, a stepson Kenneth Malec, a stepdaughter Jeanie (Richard) Baumgart, many step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. The family would like to give special recognition to Kim and Tim Flock and Jerry and Becky Shuler for assistance in the care of Earl.
In addition to his wife Bernice, he was preceded in death by a daughter Barbara, 2 stepchildren, Raymond and Jerome “Jerry”, a daughter-in-law Marlene, brothers Lester, Ray, and Herman “Junior” Bever, 3 sisters Irma Gnewikow, Ramona Flock and Edna Jacobs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 22, 11:00 AM at the Queen of the Apostles at St. Mary’s Catholic Church , 315 Monroe St. Tomah, WI 54660. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
