Michael Beierle

1945 - 2015

Dr. Michael John Beierle of Rockford passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015 after living nearly 3 years with cancer. He was in his home surrounded by his family. Michael was born on October 24, 1945 in Chicago, IL. He was the son of Michael and Helen (Grichen) Beierle. He received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Yale University. He was in Calhoun College while at Yale. Michael served in the United States Navy for 2 years. His medical residency was completed at the University of Minnesota where he met his wife, Colleen McNamara. They married in St. Paul on September 25, 1976 and moved to Rockford in 1980. He was a member of Perryville Surgical Associates, and he mainly worked at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center throughout his career. He was a parishioner of St. Peter's Cathedral. He was also a member of Rockford Country Club, Union League Club of Chicago, Mory's Association, Zeta Psi Fraternity, and The American College of Surgeons. Historically, he served as a board member of the local Cancer Society. Michael loved spending time with his family, traveling abroad, and enjoying any culinary event. He was truly at his best on summer nights grilling on the patio or relaxing on the beach with a book in Mexico. Survivors include his wife, Colleen Beierle. His three children, Elisabeth Beierle of New York, NY; John (Megan) Beierle of San Diego, CA; and Michelle Beierle of Chicago, IL; his three grandchildren, Virginia, Michael, and Patrick, also of San Diego, CA; his sister, Camilla (William) Benson of Northfield, IL; his brother-in-law, Michael (Lori) McNamara of St. Paul, MN; and sister-in-law, Mary McNamara of St. Louis, MO. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Helen. A memorial funeral mass will take place at 11am on Monday, June 29, 2015 at St. Peter's Cathedral in Rockford. A visitation will take place from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home (3910 N. Rockton Ave.) with a prayer service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the JEH Foundation (http://www.jehpancreaticfoundation.org), a cause that is very special to Michael and his family. Please express any online condolences atwww.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.