Letha R. Beard

Letha R. Beard, age 85, passed away peacefully at Golden Homes on Thursday, October 16, 2008, where family and caregivers wept at her passing. Lee was born in Menasha on July 9, 1923, daughter of the late Jacob and Violet Herrbold. As a young woman, she worked as a secretary at Menasha Products Corp where she met Leonard Beard, who came to service their IBM machines. On September 7th, Len and Lee celebrated 62 years of marriage.

They enjoyed their fellowship at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Appleton, where Len and Lee sang in the choir for nearly 50 years, and volunteered for nearly every other church activity. For many years she and Len helped to present the All Saints Marionette Christmas plays for children. Lee will be greatly missed for her unfailing kindness and warmth in every aspect of her dealings with her friends and church family. She was a sweet and generous soul to all who met her, and she made a cherry pie that was out of this world. She also volunteered her time at the Salvation Army, and Meals on Wheels. For the Appleton Medical Center, Lee participated in their KISS (Keep Infants Seated Safely) program, the Yellow Brick Road, the annual geranium sale, and many other events, earning a lifetime membership in the Appleton Medical Center Auxiliary.

Lee is survived by her husband: Len Beard of Appleton; four sons: Paul (Lisa) Beard of San Antonio, Texas; John (Fran) Beard of Plymouth, Minnesota; David (Carol) Beard of Appleton; and Thomas (Lisa) Beard of Madison; five grandchildren: Paul, Matthew, Jennifer, Jacob, and Madeline; a brother: Phil Herrbold of Neenah; a brother-in-law: Sam (Ardis) Beard of Seattle; and a sister-in-law: Rosalie Beard of Gig Harbor, WA; nephew Bill Herrbold; and nieces Germaine and Gretchen. Lee was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughters Sarah Beard and Natalie Beard, a sister-in-law Phyllis Herrbold, a brother-in-law Ray Beard, and an aunt Lily Rowena Smith Herrbold.

Funeral services for Lee will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, November 3, 2008 at ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 100 N. Drew Street in Appleton with Father Patrick Twomey officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call for the visitation in the Palmer Room at All Saints Episcopal Church on Monday from 12:00 AM until 2:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in her name. Contributions may be sent directly to Len Beard or forwarded to him through the Wichmann Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff at Golden Homes, Appleton, for the loving kindness shown to Lee. The family wishes to also thank the Theda Care Hospice team.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231