Gordon Edward "Gordie" Beal, age 74, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 21st at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and legendary stubbornness.

Born on October 19, 1950, in Madison, WI, Gordie was the son of the late Albert and Marjorie (Bluel) Beal. He graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1968 and, true to his adventurous (and slightly mischievous) spirit, enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War because he thought it might be “fun.” Thankfully, he was medically discharged before being deployed—a blessing that meant he could go on to live a full life, mostly on his own terms.

Gordie married the love of his life, Lynn “Sue” Beal, in Madison. The two spent 52 years in a marriage filled with deep love, lots of teasing (mostly from Gordie), and unwavering loyalty. If Gordie had made up his mind about something—well, that was that. Changing it wasn’t an option. But his steadfast nature made him dependable, protective, and incredibly devoted to his family.

He worked hard as a welder and lineman and was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. In his off time, you’d likely find him in his shop tinkering, building, or fixing something no one else could. If he wasn’t there, he was probably at a garage sale or antique shop hunting for “a good deal.”

Gordie was a devout Christian and a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg. His faith was as much a part of him as the flannel or plaid shirt, jeans, boots, and baseball cap he wore nearly every day.

He was a man of many loves: his wife, his son and grandchildren, his cats, his granddogs (who always got treats when he came to visit), visiting state parks and historical sites, a cold Natural Light with a pinch of salt, and his trusty cooler—rarely far from his side. He enjoyed spending time with friends at the bar, playing Euchre (as the best partner around), and being with family. He was a kid at heart and never passed up time with his grandchildren, always asking to have them over for the weekend.

Gordie had a huge heart and cared deeply for those around him. He especially enjoyed watching country western movies with Sue.

Gordie especially loved traveling to Kewaunee, WI, walking the beach near the lighthouses, and soaking in the quiet beauty of the water. He found joy in the little things, pride in his work, and purpose in his family.

He may have been stubborn, but he was also steady, loyal, loving, and full of humor. His spirit will live on in the laughter of his grandchildren, the stories told over card games, and the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; his son Brandon (Molly) Beal; and grandchildren Traeden, Halle, and Braxton. He is further survived by his sister Joanne (Guy) Hermanson; sister-in-law Kathy Beal; brothers-in-law John (Laura) Frederick, Rick Frederick, Jim (Vickie) Frederick, and David Frederick; sisters-in-law Barbara Merkel, JoAnn (Ed) Francis, and Renee Frederick; and special friends Randy and Rose Krueger. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marjorie Beal; parents-in-law, William and Sonia Frederick; his brother Ed Beal; brothers-in-law Bill Frederick and Dale Lawton Sr.; and sisters-in-law Caroline Frederick, Colleen Evans-Carter, Juanita Behm, and Patricia “Patti” Lawton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated for Gordie Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg. The Reverend John Blewett, Pastor, will be the Celebrant. Military rites will follow the Mass at church. Visitation will also be on Tuesday, at the church from 9:30 am until 10:45. Private family burial will follow the Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Ironton. 

A luncheon will be held at the Reedsburg VFW Hall on Veteran's Drive following the service.

The family is grateful for any memorials given in remembrance of Gordie, but due to a family allergy issue, they request no flower pieces with lilies in them.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at Reedsburg Medical Center, the medical helicopter crew, and the dedicated team at Gundersen Health System.

And in true Gordie fashion—“Don’t take life too seriously. Spend time with the ones you love, laugh often, and for heaven’s sake—crack open a cold beer (just don’t forget the salt).” Cheers, Gordie. We’ll keep the cooler stocked—and don’t worry, we’ll take good care of Safety Sue.