Walter Joseph “Wally” Beer, age 94, of Germantown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden. He was born on October 19, 1931, in rural Bartelso, a son of the late George Beer, Sr. and Veronica (nee Schomaker) Beer.
On August 27, 1958, Walter married Carolyn (nee Schaefer) at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers, beginning a marriage that spanned nearly 68 years. Together they built a loving home centered on faith, family, and hard work.
In addition to his beloved wife, Carolyn, Walter is survived by his children, Bonnie (Jim) Stoff of Highland, Yvonne (Jim) Schulte of Belleville, Jan (Nick) Wessel of St. Rose, Anita (Sean) Weber of Flower Mound, TX, and Marsha (Doug) Ratermann of Walcott, IA; grandchildren, Jason (Angela Rickard) Stoff, Brian (Amy) Stoff, Eric (Brooke) Stoff, Meredith (Jeremy) Osgood, Cameron (Ellen) Schulte, Adam (Ashley) Wessel, Danielle (Neal) Weber, Katie (Jacob) Lievers, Sydney Weber, Cheyenne (Justin) Vasquez, Leah Ratermann, Abby Ratermann, and Emily Ratermann; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, George Beer, Jr. of Iuka; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joe Schaefer, Sally Schaefer, Ann (Phil) Frey, Rita (Paul) Thole, Henry (Margie) Schaefer, and Richard Schaefer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Ray (Marie) Beer, Clarence (Florence) Beer, Eleanor (Vince) Wessling, JoAnn Beer, and Marilyn (Dave) Jansen; parents-in-law, Jim and Theresa (nee Heimann) Schaefer; stepmother-in-law, Vera (Ritcher) Schaefer; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Schaefer and Bernard Schaefer.
Walter was a man whose life reflected faith, humility, and service to others. After dedicating 40 years to Wickes Lumber Company, he retired with the respect and admiration of those who worked alongside him. His skilled hands and attention to detail were evident not only in his work, but also in the many woodworking projects he lovingly created for family and friends.
A lifelong member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown, Walter’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He faithfully served his parish as an Eucharistic Minister and altar server, quietly living out his commitment to God and his church community.
Away from work, Walter found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed woodworking, gathering around the card table with family and friends, and creating lasting memories by taking his grandchildren fishing. Above all else, he treasured the time spent with his family. Whether celebrating holidays, sharing stories, or simply being together, Walter’s greatest happiness came from those he loved most. His gentle spirit, steady guidance, and unwavering devotion will be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown, with Fr. James Buerster presiding. Interment will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery in Germantown.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Boniface Church, St. Boniface Cemetery, or the Germantown Fire Department, and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, which is serving the family.
