John Avery Beehler, 87, Nisland, went to his Heavenly Home on August 3, 2014. John was born September 3, 1926, to Roy E. and Eugenia O. (Hall) Beehler. He joined the US Navy in 1943 at 16 ½ years old, and is a WWII Navy Veteran. After serving, he returned to high school, graduating from Sturgis High School in 1948. That same year, John married Mary Sorenson and to that union, seven children were born. In 1975, he married Mickey Alexander and her five children added to his seven became a recipe for a lot of good times for the two of them.

John's first job was at Fort Meade. He then worked two years at the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead. After a short stay in Newcastle to work in the oilfield, he went to Edgemont to work for his mother, Jeannie, and her husband, Roy Chord, mining uranium. In 1955, he helped make the movie, "Long Day at Discovery Rock" where he had a bit part but was a useful hand helping to do stunts and special effects. The movie played in Edgemont at the Atomic Theatre. In 1956, John became employed with the C.B. & Q. Railroad while continuing to mine uranium. He retired in 1991 from the Burlington Northern Railroad after 37 years of service. John was a Webelo Scout Leader, an avid rock hunter, a member of the Cody, WY, V.F.W, a wood-worker, but most of all, John was a sports fan extraordinaire to his children and grandchildren, following every game that he could.

John is survived by his loving wife and constant companion, Mickey; their children, Janet Denny, Dale (Yoni) Beehler, Jonilee (Fred) Weibert, Michael (Chris) Beehler, Jill (William) Kreutzer, Jeff (LeeAnn) Beehler, Scott (Kathy) Beehler, Clifford Alexander, Donald Alexander, James (Suzanne) Alexander, Bill Alexander, and Patricia Alexander. Grandpa John will be greatly missed by their 32 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; his sister, Clara Graves from La Mesa, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy Beehler and Eugenia Chord; his brothers, Everett and Harold; his sister, Iris Komes; his son-in-law, Alvin Denny; one granddaughter; and one grandson, Justin (Stover) Beehler.

A memorial service will be held Monday, August 11, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Pastor Henrique Fleming officiating. Inurnment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.