Obituary: Harold E. Beier

Harold E. Beier 
Sept. 22, 1922 - Dec. 15, 2012

Harold E. Beier, born Sept. 22, 1922 at 3:55 PM in Maple Grove Township.

Preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Helen (Wright) and parents, Fred and Minnie (Krueger) Beier. Survived by granddaughter, Michelle Stultz; grandsons, Jeff Hanson, Dale Hanson, Jr., and John Hanson; and nine great grandchildren.

Army Veteran inducted April 5, 1943 and served overseas Nov. 23, 1943 - February 1946.

Harry worked at the University of Minnesota Mineral Research Resource Center. Among the projects there, he was involved with processing taconite for mining companies, which was important to Northern Minnesota.

An ardent Gopher fan - especially football - 67 years without missing a home game. Also a ticket holder for Gopher basketball since 1946 and a follower of the Gopher baseball team.

A member of the Minneapolis Horseshoe Club for many years. Harry was introduced to bowling in 1941 on the Osseo High School team that went to ABC in St. Paul, winning a team trophy for Osseo High School. He went to many ABC bowling tournaments all over the United States, winning many team championships in league play over 60 years.

He attended Osseo High School in a class of 23. He played all major sports there, reached the state regional tournament as a pitcher, and pitched on the Osseo American Legion team. After high school and the service, he played on many fast pitch teams, especially a good YMCA Minneapolis team which reached the state finals, losing to a U of M team 1-0. Harry then changed to slow pitch and played in several leagues and later managed many good teams.

He was involved in many senior organizations, and served as president and board member. Harry became the coordinator of the Walking Club out of North Memorial where he got involved with hugging and later became know as the "Osseo Hugger". He spread his hugs around governor's wives, coach's wives at the U of M, and bragged about a hug with a Royal Mounted Police lady. His favorite saying was, "There is nothing like a hug."

A member of Minneapolis Immanuel Lutheran Church for 60 years, later transferring to St. Paul's Lutheran of Osseo.

Harry enjoyed life and was his own P.A. guy.

Service 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 710 East Broadway, Osseo, with visitation one hour prior to service at the church.

Information provided by Evans-Nordby Funeral Homes.