Beier, Peter (1899-1990)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 30 Aug 1990 p. 11

Birth date: 1899 January 21, South Dakota
Date of Death: 1990 June 3, California

text of obituary:

PETER BEIER

Peter Beier was born Jan. 21, 1899, to Abraham and Elizabeth Bornn Beier on a farm near Parker, S.D., and grew up in Oklahoma. He died June 3, 1990, in Reedley, Calif., at age 91.

He married Anna Ratzlaff of Inman, Kan., on March 11, 1923. She preceded him in death after 61 years of marriage.

The family moved to Reedley in 1926. He successively owned the Durant, Star and Oldsmobile and Pontiac auto agencies until 1936, when he entered the appliance business. He owned Beier Washer Service until his retirement.

During World War II his wife was co-hostess from the Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church for men who were assigned to the North Fork and Three Rivers Civilian Public Service camps. They often lodged CPS men in their home. He died during a Three Rivers CPS reunion; some of those attending had been in the Beier home. During the Sunday morning memorial service he was included as a "Friend of the Three Rivers Camp," along with 64 other men.

He also was recognized for his annual trek to the General Grant Tree, also known as the nation's Christmas Tree, in Kings Canyon National Park.

Survivors include a daughter and her husband, Dorothy and Howard Kauffman of Fresno, Calif.; two grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and one sister, Katie Quiring of Reedley.

Funeral services were held June 11, 1990, at Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church.

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MLA Personal Photos Collection

Biographical note:
Parker, South Dakota
Son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Bornn) Beier
Married Anna Ratzlaff 1923
Auto and appliance dealer -- Reedley, California

Bethel alumni note:

Photo holdings:
See Walter H. Schmidt (1894-1972) for group photo

Sources:
MWR 8/30/90 p. 11 obit
Dorothy Beier Kauffman (verbal, Reedley) 1992
Grandma Online profile 32169