Kenneth John Beer passed away July 12, 2018 in Harrisonburg. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Kathleen; their four children Chris Beer (wife PJ) from Atlanta, Jeff Beer (wife Wendy) from Broadway, Jennifer Krouse (husband Dan) from Knoxville, and Laura Gandy from Columbia, SC; his sister Frances Dean from Delray Beach, Florida; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Kenneth was born on May 4, 1932 in Ferndale, Michigan to Kenneth and Nancy Beer. He attended Berkley High School where he was an all-state football player and president of his senior class. He remained an avid athlete the rest of his life, playing handball and racquetball with his JMU colleagues. He was also a member of the Wellness Center.
He and his wife Kathleen met on a blind date. They married in 1956. He received his BA and MA in art from Wayne State University and was drafted into the U.S. Army shortly after; he served 3 years.
In the 1950s, Kenneth worked for General Motors Styling Division; he helped sculpt original designs for the Corvette and Stingray. In 1961, he moved to Harrisonburg to accept a professorship in JMU’s art department. He taught there for over 38 years.
Kenneth designed and built his home, the House on Windy Hill, in Bridgewater with the help of his sons in 1967. What was once a barren hillside is now rich woodland surrounding an architecturally unique wood and stone sanctuary filled with artwork.
During his career, Kenneth received many major awards and had multiple one-man shows, including a 1973 show at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. His mounted sculpture “Industriale” is featured in the Detroit Institute of Arts’ permanent collection. Local works include the steel entrance gates to the arboretum and a bronze bust of James Madison at JMU. His work can be found in private collections nationwide.
Kenneth is remembered as a lifelong learner and lover of nature, animals, travel, sports, chess, books, theatre, music, and poetry. He and his family and friends enjoyed many trips to the Outer Banks for fishing and beachcombing. He and his wife enjoyed traveling internationally, attending Broadway plays, visiting the Forbes Center, and listening to the music of the Bach Festival. Most importantly, he valued his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held 4:00 pm, Sunday, July 15, 2018 at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg with Pastor Dan Garber officiating. The family will receive friends following the service with light refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to JMU General Art Account by visiting www.jmu.edu/art, continue to Support SADAH to donate in his memory; or to the charity of ones choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.
