Gayle Beyer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025 after a 15-year battle with dementia.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Bill Clark, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
Gayle was born on July 8, 1943 in Morris, IL to Stanley and Mildred (Murley) Ahern. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Fred “Fritz” Beyer on July 18, 1964 in Ottawa and they enjoyed a glorious, fun-filled 60 years of wedded bliss.
Gayle’s dad Stan and uncle Leroy owned and operated the Roystan Roller Rink and it was the place to be if you were one of the cool kids. Stan played the organ and everyone skated to his music. Gayle, her sister Lyn, and her brother Jim grew up at the rink and were all proficient skaters.
Gayle and Fred’s story began in Ottawa where they raised their kids, Jayne and Mark, and lived their best lives. Fred’s work took them to Indiana for a while, and after retiring from their jobs, they fulfilled their dream of retiring to Arizona. They moved back to Ottawa in 2013 to be close to friends and family.
Gayle was a consummate shopper. She loved a good bargain, and her favorite store was Von Maur. She loved being with lifelong friends, fondly referred to as The Originals, and they got together often. Her big heart was always filled with love and kindness, and her smile lit up a room.
Gayle is survived by her loving husband, Fritz; two children, Jayne Beyer and Mark (Chris) Beyer; five grandchildren Katie and Tyler Merkel, Vince Lietz, Sydney and Makenzie Beyer; one great granddaughter, Wrenleigh Peterson; a brother Jim Ahern; bonus grandchildren Sam (Jessica), Kenton, and Mia Leigh; bonus great grandson Easton Leigh; and her granddog, Lenny.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Lyn Henderson.
A very special thanks goes to the OSF Hospice Team for their loving care and assistance, and the Stohl and Gondolfi Families for their unwavering support and love.
Memorials may be directed to the Family.
Gayle was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer at Oakwood Memorial Park.