Neal W. Beaver
(June 9, 1923 - January 20, 2007)

Grand Marais

Neal W. Beaver, age 83, of Box 207, Grand Marais “walked on” at Marquette General Hospital on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 2:50 a.m. Born in Kalkaska County on June 9, 1923 to Dewey and Esther (nee Vipond) Beaver, Neal moved to Grand Rapids at age three where his father was a career police officer. He graduated from Wyoming Park High School in 1940 and entered the U.S. Army with the Michigan National Guard. He enjoyed military service eventually rising through most enlisted positions and attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Neal served as commanding officer of H Company, 508 parachute Infantry of the 82nd Airborne during all of their combat operations in Europe during WWII. His platoon’s wild ride in three lone aircraft in the Invasion Operation (D-Day) has been well documented in several publications. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, four battle stars and several unit and individual commendations. After his discharge from the Army, Neal graduated from Toledo University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematic Education. He was recalled to duty for the Korean War. Neal was seriously injured in a failed parachute accident and discharged in 1953. He served twenty years as an industrial engineer prior to his return to Grand Marais and serving as the high school mathematics teacher for sixteen years.

Neal married Ruth Poll on December 24, 1942 and considered his happy marriage for sixty-four years as the most successful accomplishment of his adult life. He served as the Burt Township Supervisor, Burt Twp. School Superintendent, and chairman of the Alger County Road Commission. Neal and Ruth were partners in two businesses; the Grand Marais Pilot and the Beaver House, a general store.

He is survived by his wife and partner Ruth and four children; Wayne of Dallas, TX; Gary (Linda) of Las Vegas, NV; Kevin (Dale Anne) of Gladstone; Renee’ (Bob) Stocking of Grand Marais. The Beavers enjoy nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Neal was a member of several Veterans organizations and still maintained correspondence with a few paratrooper survivors of WWII. He was an avid fly fisherman for only one species – Brook Trout.

Upon Neal’s wishes, there will be no funeral services held in his memory.

Submitted by Char Livermore