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Margaret "Marge" Beer, age 87, of Isabel, SD, passed away on Friday, July 7, 2023 in Watertown, SD.

Visitation for Marge will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. MT on Friday, July 14, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Isabel, SD, followed by a Rosary service at 6:00 p.m. MT.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Marge will be held at 10:30 a.m. MT on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Isabel, SD, with burial to follow in the Hillview Cemetery at Isabel.

Margaret Ann (Alley) Beer was born April 7, 1936 to Catherine (Anglin) and John Alley.  She attended country school through the 8th grade in rural Firesteel, SD and  graduated from Isabel High School with the class of 1954.   Marge furthered her education at Mount Marty College in Yankton earning a Bachelor's Degree in Teacher Education.

Marge married Adolph Beer on June 29, 1963.  They were blessed with 5 children: Craig, Eddie, Cathy, Doug and Nancy.

Marge's life was dedicated to her faith and her family.  Church and family rosaries were non-negotiable. A quote of St Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary" reminds of how Marge lived her life.  Marge was a quiet, contemplative soul known for her    hospitality and nonjudgmental care.  Never speaking an ill word about anyone and waiting on others rather than sit at the table and enjoy a  family meal.  Modifying recipes to accommodate each child's specific preferences.  Sunday dinners were treated similar to a holiday.   Her biggest joy was having all her kids around the kitchen table.  We played cards, told stories, and enjoyed meals or     afternoon coffee and cookies.  No matter how long her family was home it was never long enough and you could plan on a tearful goodbye and a wave from the picture window.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing, canning, sharing a cup of hot coffee, taking care of her chickens and bum lambs, playing Pinochle and games with family and friends.   She developed lifelong friendships while working on projects and prayer blankets.  When she did have a little time to herself, she enjoyed reading religious books and doing puzzles.  Spoiling her grandchildren was her favorite activity.  Whether going fishing, playing pool, basketball or rodeo; helping with homework, making cookies or bars or Indian tacos; the word "no" was not in her vocabulary when it came to her grandchildren.   She had a gift for making each one of them feel loved and special.

She had a passion for educating students. She taught several years in various     locations before taking a break to raise her own family.  She returned to teaching for 16 more years in Isabel before retiring in 2001.  She loved her students and always enjoyed a former student stopping to visit, thank her, and celebrated their successes.

Marge was a member of St Mary's Catholic Church.  She served in various capacities including being a member in the Altar Society, teaching CCD, and in the Prayer   blanket ministry.

Marge passed away on July 7th, 2023 in Watertown, SD with her family by her side and a rosary in her hand.

Grateful for sharing her life and being the recipient of her prayers are her children; Craig (Layna) Beer of Port Charlotte, FL, Edward (Gina) Beer of rural Isabel, Catherine Peckham of Glenwood, IA, Douglas (Carrie) Beer of rural Isabel and Nancy (Thane) Crump of Watertown, SD; 7 Grandchildren: Logan (Katie) Beer of Thurman, IA; Shayla Beer of rural Isabel, Brooke (Devon) Barrett of Gretna, NE, Cole Peckham of Glenwood, IA, Bradyn Beer, Luke Beer and Brace Beer of rural Isabel; 6 Great Grandchildren: Treyden Beer and Tenley Webb;  Colter, Peyton and Case Barrett; and Talan Beer.  Along with sisters in-laws:  Karen Beer of Pierre, SD, Karen Beer of Lemmon, SD; Maureen Beer of Timber Lake, SD and Roberta Alley of Burien, WA as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph in 2020; her parents; sisters: Viola Smolik, Genevieve Reich, and Mary Hulm and  brothers: Elmer, Robert,   Maurice, Eugene, Donald, William, Jack and 2 infant brothers; son-in-law Dale Peckham; along with numerous brothers and sisters-in-laws.