George Joseph Beer

GEORGE JOSEPH BEER, age 96 of Le Center, MN passed away peacefully June 20, 2026 at Benedictine Living Community in St. Peter, MN.

George was born at home in Le Center on January 21, 1930 to Louis and Frances (Tambornino) Beer. He went to St. Mary’s Grade School in Le Center and attended McKinley High School.

He was working on the family farm when he met Donna Mae Slaby, a nurse from St. Paul. They married on April 21, 1956, built a home where they raised six wonderful kids on the Beer family homestead on which they enjoyed farm life until they moved to town (Le Center) in 1995.

George was a founding member and served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus St. Mary’s council, St. Mary’s parish festival chairman, and taught CCD. He also served on the Le Sueur County Fair board, local school board, Catholic Forester’s board, and was a Camas board member.

He had a life-long love for farming: raising beef cattle and working the crops, even expressing the desire to get out on the tractor one last time during planting season this past spring. He enjoyed playing cards, purchasing and fixing-up used vehicles, and couldn’t resist an invitation to a cribbage game. Along with his love for farming, he had a general love of nature and enjoyed bird watching and observing wildlife from his window.

His love of family and our Lord was unmistakable. He was a steward of the land, preserving space for wildlife and taking pride in caring for the natural world around him. He was extremely generous and caring, always willing to help others, but never one to seek recognition or take credit for himself.

George is survived by his children Cindy Jirak of New Prague; Rose (Eric) Bjorlin, Plymouth; Anthony (Gail) Beer, Le Center; Becky (Bryan) Frase, Montgomery; Rick (Paula) Beer, Cleveland; Michael (Carolyn) Beer, Eden Prairie including 13 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by parents Louis and Frances Beer, Donna Mae, his wife, and 9 siblings: Edward Beer, Catherine (Ralph) Hagel, Charles Beer, Leonard (Dolly) Beer, Louise (Harris) Johnson, Marie (Rob) Miller, Joan (Eugene) Johengen; Jean (Mike) Kauffman, Margaret (Virgil Parker.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St Mary Catholic Church in Le Center, MN; Fr. Michael Barsness will officiate. George's family will greet guests at a visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Le Center, MN.

In Lieu of flowers, George would want you to spend time with your family and take them out for a nice steak dinner.