Roger A. Beers

Roger Allen Beers, 72, Green Bay, WI, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2013 from complications of ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). He was born November 11, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan and spent his childhood in St. Ignace, Michigan. After graduating from St. Ignace LaSalle High School he served in the U.S. Navy from 1960-1964, primarily aboard the nuclear powered submarine, U.S.S. Patrick Henry.

Following his military service, Roger spent 12 years working for Buick Engineering in Flint, Michigan. But the lure of the open road beckoned, leading to his travels throughout the United States and beyond. Living the life of a free-spirited nomad, he easily made new friends wherever he landed. He enjoyed living in New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Mexico, the Caribbean and especially Door County, Wisconsin where he loved hanging out with friends at two of his favorite haunts; AC Tap in Baileys Harbor and Husby's Food & Spirits in Sister Bay.

Roger enjoyed time spent fishing, gardening, cooking, swayin' to the music, and playing cards—particularly cribbage—taking extra delight in skunking his brother. He was a big sports fan and especially loved watching the UW-Green Bay Phoenix Women Basketball games at the Kress Events Center. Yo Adrian!

Although he was often unsure of his financial future, Roger strongly believed in tithing a portion of whatever income he had. One of his favorite benefactors was the Southwest Indian Foundation. Lending assistance to this charitable organization also served as a means to honor his Native American Heritage.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Angela Tripp Schaeffer, granddaughter, Clara Schaeffer; his brother, Darryl Beers, Darryl's fiancée, Christine Schultz, and nieces, Melissa Beers, Diana Miller Shaver, Linda Camp, Judi Dunster and Susan Murphy.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Ira & Julia Beers, his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy & Carl "Doc" Dunster and nephew, Donald Dunster.

Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm.

The family notes the following: "Dress will be casual. We will be honoring Roger's love of interesting & expressive T-shirts by wearing our favorites and encourage you to wear your favorite T-shirt too! (Please do!)"

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Roger's tithing, the family requests that donations be made to the ALS Association, Wisconsin Chapter.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Rogers's friends and relatives who blessed his life with much joy and many cherished memories. They would also like to express their gratitude to the kindhearted caregivers at the Veterans' Administration facilities in Green Bay, Appleton and Milwaukee, Care for All Ages Assisted Living and Santa Maria Nursing Home who cared for Roger during his last few months. A special thank you goes to the doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists at Bellin Hospital for their diligence and compassion during Roger's final days.