Florence M Beese

Florence Marie (Reed) Beese went to Heaven to be with Jesus on March 25th, 2026. She was 94 years old. Florence was the second child of The Late Henry and Laura (Clark) Reed, born on April 8th, 1931, at St. Mary's Hospital in Wausau. She received her grade-school education in one-room-schools, attending both Olsen in the Town of Mosinee and Hardwood Ridge in the Town of Marathon. She graduated from Mosinee High School with the class of 1949, and went on to college at North Central Technical College (NTC). Florence graduated in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in accounting.

Florence married the love of her life, Friedrich (Fred) Beese at St. Stephen Lutheran Church Parsonage on October 17th, 1953, and had one child. Fred proceeded her in death on February 16th, 2002. She stayed at home as long as she could in the house that Fred built back in 1956.

Florence worked in various places before she started working at Wausau Insurance (now Liberty Mutual) where she worked for 15 years, retiring in 1986.

She loved to travel, having been to most of the 50 states, as well as Europe and South Africa; as well as working in her Rose Garden. Florence was also very fond of the genealogy of the Beese / Bramer families, even completing a Beese Genealogy Book. 

Florence was a very active member of the community, and will be remembered for being a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church for more than 60 Years; Elder for Social Concerns Committee Council (4 yrs); Women of the ELCA Secretary and Treasurer; Dorcas Circle/Women of St. Stephen helping with funeral lunches; Jolly Friends/Young at Heart Member program coordination; Marathon County Genealogical Society Program Coordination; Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Membership; and Retired Women of Wausau Insurance and the Retired Good People of Wausau Insurance. She was also a member of the Franklin School Mother's Club and took part in their “Stunt-night” several times.

Survivors are a beloved son David Beese, Two Grandchildren: John Beese (Heather) of Florida; Jeannette Mueller (Troy) of Appleton, Four Great-Grandchildren: Jonathan and Justin Beese of Florida and Natalie and Zachery Mueller of Appleton WI; Two Sisters: Anna Tanck of Wausau; Martha Walters of Kronenwetter; Brother: Edward Reed of Eldron, WI; Sister-in-Law: Esther (The late Charles Reed) of Wausau, WI and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by her Husband Friedrich (Fred) Beese, Parents Henry and Laura (Clark) Reed, Brother Charles Reed, Grandparents Joseph and Delia (Anderson) Reed; Charles and Ella (Durkee) Clark; Parents-in-law Edward and Laura (Bramer) Beese; Brothers and Sisters-in laws Emil and Edith Beese, Otto and Myrtle Beese, and Arthur and Florence Beese.

A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church at 12:00 pm (512 McClellan Street, Wausau, WI, 54403) Pastor Karoline Schwantes will be officiating. A Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

The Family would like to extend a special Thanks to Wood Aven Health and Rehab for taking care of Florence the past two years.

Florence loved animals, especially her cat, so in Memorial please direct donations to the Humane Society of Marathon County.

The Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be assisting The Beese family with arrangements. Condolences may be made below.