William Murl “Bill” Beem

Obituary

William Murl Beem was born November 21, 1933, in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, to Murl Beem and Doris (Ovitt) Beem. He graduated from Buffalo Lake High School in 1951. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. William served in the Pacific Region during the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged at the level of Staff Sergeant in 1962. 

William was united in marriage to Janice Winkler on May 4, 1963 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stewart, Minnesota. The couple lived in Buffalo Lake. William worked at 3M Company in Hutchinson for over 30 years, retiring in 1993. He was an ambulance driver and fireman in Buffalo Lake, and served as the Buffalo Lake Fire Chief from 1976 to 1977. He resigned as Fire Chief when he was elected Mayor of Buffalo Lake in 1977. He served as Mayor until 1982. William served over 17 years with the Buffalo Lake Fire Department, retiring in 1985.

William was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector, Minnesota. He was a member of American Legion Post 469 in Buffalo Lake and, after moving to Apple Valley in 2012, was a member of Post 1776.  William enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, family vacations, playing cards, and the “Loves of His Life” – his grandchildren.

On Tuesday, November 1, 2016, William passed away at his home in Apple Valley, having reached the age of 82 years, 11 months, 10 days. Blessed be his memory.

William is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Janice, of Apple Valley; daughter Linda Beem and husband Joe Demuth, Rosemount; son William Beem, Jr. and wife Laura and grandchildren Katherine and Matthew, Lakeville; daughter in-law-to-be, Cara de le Barra and son Makoa, Hutchinson; brother Shannon “Pete” Beem and wife Penny, Hutchinson; and sister Daisy Paurus and husband Floyd, Lindstrom.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Andrew Beem.