Richard Beyer

Richard L. "Dick" Beyer, 76, passed away at his home in Mission, TX with family at his side on September 17, 2017. He was born March 17th, 1941 in Freeport, IL and grew up on his parent's farm in Stockton, IL. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1959. Richard met his best friend for life, Judy, at their eighth grade graduation party. On March 17, 1960, Richard married Judith "Judy" Buske, at Holy Cross Church in Stockton, IL and were married for 50 years. In 1966, they lived and farmed near Pearl City, IL. In 1974, they moved to Shullsburg Township and farmed until 1990, creating their "Ju-Di Lane Registered Holsteins" dairy farm. In 1993, Richard and Judy moved to Darlington, at which time Richard began his new business, Lafayette Appraisal, LLC. Richard and Judy enjoyed being winter Texans before her passing. On January 3, 2013, Richard married Maria C. "Connie" Benavides. In his youth, Richard loved showing Poland China pigs and Holstein cattle. He was a state winner showing with 4-H and FFA. Over the years, he won many awards including Lafayette County SWD Outstanding Conservation Farm in 1977, and Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator AMPI Area 3 in 1976. He was an active member of many community organizations over the years such as the Shullsburg Lions Club, FFA Alumni, as well as a member of Lafayette Co. Board of Supervisors for over 20 years, a member of the Wisconsin County Farin Association, Lafayette Co. Fair Board, and many others. Richard was a professional in coffee shop politics, and a lifelong Democrat.Richard is survived by his wife, Connie Benavides; his sister Dianne Beyer; three children: Debra Benson, Tracy (Jeff) Smith, Steve Beyer; four grandchildren: Elizabeth (John) Smith, Emily (Ben) Smith-Pedersen, Tyler Beyer and Skyler Beyer; step-grandchildren: Shawn Benson, Mindy (Steven) Judkins; and great-grandchild: Kimlynn Judkins. He was preceded in death by his wife: Judy; parents: Bernice and Robert Beyer; son-in-law: Kim Benson; granddaughter, Danielle Walton; and mother and father-in-law: Robert and Evelyn Buske.A memorial mass to celebrate Richard's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet Street, Darlington, WI), followed by a luncheon. Friends may call to share memories of Richard's life with his family at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Richard will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Holy Rosary Cemetery. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Richard's name. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.