Earl R. Beecher

Earl R. Beecher born January 22, 1915 died Thursday, June 19, 2008 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Earl was born on a farm in Union Grove, Wisconsin, the son of John and Lillie (Dreyfus) Beecher. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Infantry from April 1941 to September 1945. He was wounded making a landing in Buna, New Guinea with the 32^nd Red Arrow Division and holds the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, and Good Conduct Service Medals and Area Service Medals.

Earl was united in marriage to Leila Laugesen in Milwaukee, WI on January 26, 1946 and was the father of Denis and Jean. They shared their home with many friends and family over the years.

For a few years they lived in Milwaukee and then moved to Potosi, WI where he was part-owner a garage business. In 1953 they moved to Madison, WI where he worked as a mechanic until they retired in 1984 to live in FL. They celebrated their 62^nd wedding Anniversary in 2008.

Earl was a life-member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, V.F.W. and Port Charlotte Methodist Church. He loved working with his plants, flowers and trees.

Earl is survived by his wife, Leila, son, Denis, daughter-in-love Janis, daughter Jean and Ed Doench, five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillie Beecher, his brothers Neil G. Beecher and John R. Beecher, sisters Irene Schultz, Ruby Anderson.

Funeral services were held at Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Hillside Cemetery in Lancaster. Donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice Care, 1144 Veronica Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33952