MILFORD — Dr. Kenneth D. Beer, 71, Milford, died of sepsis on Saturday, Jan. 20, at Goshen General Hospital.
Ken was born in Goshen on Feb. 10, 1946, to Maurice and Elinor “Betty” Rassi Beer. He was raised on a dairy farm three miles south of Milford with his siblings Sue, Judy and Dave. After graduating from Milford High School in 1964, he went on to study at Indiana University, Ball State University, Bowling Green State University and Arizona State University, eventually earning his Ph.D. in psychology.
On Nov. 20, 1966, he married Lynne M. Aeschliman of Bluffton. Ken and Lynne were longtime residents of Milford, where they built a home on Ken’s boyhood farm. There they raised three children: Jeremy, Jonah and Amanda.
Ken founded the Beer School of Real Estate in 1975, and thanks to his passion for teaching it became one of the leading real estate schools in the state. He also worked for many years as a marriage and family counselor.
During his adult life, Ken traveled literally around the world, visiting such far-flung countries as Morocco, Thailand, Tahiti and Costa Rica with his wife and family. He was a highly engaged father who coached Little League, taught Sunday School and spent many hours outdoors with his children. Later, he doted on his five grandchildren; at his house, toys and candy knew no limits.
He will be fondly remembered for his extraordinary generosity; remarkably active listening; shock of white hair; and unparalleled love of gadgets, Pizza King and Leman’s mints.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Lynne.
He is survived by three children: Jeremy (Kara), Phoenix, Ariz.; Jonah (Sara), Napa, Calif.; and Amanda Woodiel (Tom), Goshen; five grandchildren: Jack, Eli, Joseph, Irene and Mary Flannery Woodiel, Goshen; and three siblings: Susan Schieler, Milford; Judy Kitson, Syracuse; and David Beer, Middlebury.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Mishler Funeral Home, 461 W. 900N, Milford.
A graveside service will immediately follow at Milford Cemetery.
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Memorials to Heifer International, www.heifer.org.
