Bernard James Beier

BERNARD JAMES BEIER, SR. “Bernie” went to heaven on Dec. 12, 2014. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Albernard and Elizabeth (Scullin) Beier. He graduated from La Salle College High School in 1948. He started working at INA (Insurance Companies of North America). He served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. His job with INA transferred him to Richmond, Ind. where he met and married Ruth Beyer in 1956 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Their five children were born in Richmond. He was active in the American Legion and served as Commander of Harry Ray American Legion Post #65. His job transferred him to Indianapolis, IN. where INA then became CIGNA. He was active in church and school activities at St. Lawrence Catholic church and school. His job then transferred him to Fort Wayne, IN. in 1970. He retired from CIGNA in 1992 after 43 ½ years. He was an active member of Sacred Heart church and school, supporting activities in sports and Boy Scouts. He was involved in sports and music departments at Bishop Luers High School and was one of the “Bingo Bunch” that built the Luers football field, dedicated on Aug. 23, 1980. He had been a member of the American Legion David Parish Post #296 and the Marine Corps Association.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 58 years of marriage; daughters, Ann Marie Wilson, and Teresa, (Charles) Andrews, of Ft.Wayne and Bernadette (Richard) Butcher of Cody, Wy; sons, Bernard, Jr.(Lora) Beier and Joseph (Kimberly) Beier of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Jaime (Michael) Heckman, Frank (Dana) Wilson, Rachel Wilson, of Ft. Wayne, Charlie Andrews of Fort Wayne and David (Maria) Andrews of Vista. CA, Nicole Beier of Michigan, Rebecca, Katherine and Peter Beier of Ft. Wayne, Joel Beier of Phoenix, Az, Mary, Susanna and Clare Beier of Ft. Wayne; great grandchildren Colleen, Cameron, Brooklynn, Trianna and Karlee of Ft. Wayne.

Also surviving are sisters Bernice (James) Clancy, Elizabeth Beier and Rosemarie Oneschuk of Rhode Island.

Funeral Mass will be at 1:30 Friday Dec. 19, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1020 Capital Ave. with visitation one hour prior service. Visitation will also be 2-4 and 6-8 Thursday Dec. 18 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home 6424 Winchester Rd. www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com