James Henry Beal

James Henry Beal, 94 of New Auburn left this earth February 2, 2015 for his heavenly home to farm and play golf surrounded by his family.  James was born in Kings City, Missouri the son of Henry and Minnie (Melberg) Beal on November 8, 1920.

James enjoyed many jobs traveling from Missouri to Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and then Illinois before joining the U.S. Navy July 1942.  After being discharged in 1945, James went back to Missouri before traveling to Illinois for work at Western Electric.  It was there he met his future bride Betty Lund.  James enjoyed a weekly trip for an ice cream, a memory shared by his kids and grandkids.  Every July he enjoyed taking his grandkids to the Spooner rodeo.  He was a great family man.

James married Betty J. Lund October 22, 1947 in Sand Creek, Wisconsin.  After living in Chicago, Illinois for 6 more years, they bought a farm in 1953 outside of New Auburn, Wisconsin.  James farmed there until he retired in 1983 turning the farm over to his son.

During his time on the farm, James served on numerous boards.  20 years with the township government, 9 years on the County A.S.C.S. committee, a rural school board and was a board member at the United Methodist Church of New Auburn.  James was an active member for over 60 years of the Slining-Caulkins post #267 American Legion in New Auburn, WI.  He had been a member for 30 years at the Pine Crest Golf in Dallas where he started to take his grandson at age 5 to golf.  As well as a supervisor on the Chippewa Board.

James is survived by his wife Betty of 67 years, son, David (Barbie) Beal of New Auburn, WI; daughter,  Linda (Bob) McCracken of Altoona, WI, nieces, Pat (Ron) Harris of Bloomer, WI and Polly (John) Barnett of Sarasota, FL.  Grandchildren Annette (Steve) Rathbun of Chetek, WI, Shawn Beal of Chippewa, WI, Rusty (Cindi) Beal of Bloomer, Jared (Amber) Beal of New Auburn, WI, Autum Beal of Chippewa, Cody Beal of New Auburn, WI, Chad McCracken of Altoona, WI and Cory McCracken of Madison, WI and 29 great-grandchildren.

A special thank you to Dr. Kristen Bruxoort and Lisa Cook for helping his wish come true to stay at home and for the excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 146 E. Main St., New Auburn, WI on Friday, February 6, 2015 with Pastor Tammy Clausen officiating.  Family and friends may gather one hour prior to the service.  Please join the family for a luncheon and continued fellowship after the service in the church hall.  Burial will take place at 2:30 P.M. at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI.  The American Legion Post #267 from New Auburn will be performing Military Honors.  Please view and sign the online guestbook at www.burnhamours.com .

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.