MISSION - George Garland Beyer, 82, went home to be with our Lord Thursday July 21, 2011 surrounded by his family at Doctors Renaissance in Edinburg.

He was born to George Dewey and Grace Mount Beyer in Bridgeport, Nebraska on June 19, 1929.  Preceding him in death were his brother, Richard Beyer, and his parents.

George attended the University of Nebraska and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and with the Counter Intelligence Corps.

He lived in various mid-western towns with his growing family, as he worked his way up from lineman to Superintendent of Utilities in Crete, Nebraska. He retired there in 1994.

His interests and passions included auto mechanics and flying. He was an instrument qualified pilot, aircraft owner, and was the second in a string of four generations of aviators. In later years of his very full life, he and Marian enjoyed playing country music with good friends in both Texas and Nebraska. He was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, NE, but attended and regularly played musical selections for Lutheran services in the Valley as well. Since, 1995 George and his wife, Marian, have split their time living between Crete and Mission. George was loved by many and his wit and caring ways will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marian Beyer; his children, Russell (Jerene) Beyer of Providence Forge, VA, Karen Rusnacko (Ivar) Nelson of Shoreview, MN, Sandy (Dave) Koozer of Lincoln, NE, Patty (David) Cudmore of Lee's Summit, MO and Doug (Lis) Beyer of Springfield, VA; his grandchildren, Dylan and Wyatt Beyer, Katie and Laura Rusnacko, Seth and Ethan Koozer, Gina and Garrett Cudmore, and Grace, Alison and Brooke Beyer; step-grandchildren Haley and Jimmy Nelson; one great grandchild, Eva Beyer, and another one on the way; his sister, Monna Greenstreet; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A memorial service was held July 23 at the Heritage Square Hall in Mission. Another service will be held in Crete at a later date.