Beitzel, Claude F.Claude Francis Beitzel, age 96, formerly of Two Rivers, died peacefully on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Grancare Nursing Center, Fond du Lac. Claude was born on May 6, 1920, in Two Rivers, a son of the late Bernard and Bertha (Wier) Beitzel. He graduated from Washington High School, Two Rivers, with the class of 1938. During World War II, he served in the United States Army with the Second Armored Division as an Anti-Tank Gunner and was involved in the North African Campaign, Sicily Invasion, and Normandy Invasion. He also fought in Belgium, the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. After V - E Day, his division occupied Berlin. On November 24, 1945, he married Alice Melichar in Janesville, WI. Claude was employed at Mirro Aluminum Company from 1938 until his retirement in 1983. He loved playing cards, yard work, family trips, and was always willing to help out on household projects for his children. Claude was an avid golfer, and especially enjoyed family gatherings. He was even willing to go camping, especially with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be truly missed by those he touched in life.Survivors include his children, Sandra (Robert) Holmes of Pueblo, CO, Claudia (Donald) Whitty of Byron, Michael of Boulder, CO, and Susan Schmitt of Two Rivers; six grandchildren, Todd (Teresa) Pilger, Rhonda (Nathan Cook) Beitzel, Victoria (Robert) Finocchario, Erin (Kevin) Kalish, Ryan (Anne) Whitty, and Shannon (Joel) Boelhower; eleven great-grandchildren, Jessica (David) Kolbe, Justin Pilger, Kendra Whitty, Samelia Boelhower, Elizabeth, James, and Mary Kalish, Adele and Benjamin Whitty, and Lucy and Barrett Finoccharia; two great-great grandchildren, Laina and Lily Kolbe, two brothers, Robert Beitzel of Two Rivers and Roland (Gloria) Beitzel of Mishicot; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by four brothers, Peter, Frank, Harold, and Archie; and seven sisters, Gertrude Whitman, Delores Hoffman, Helen Kuffel, Sally Oestrich, Genevieve Melichar, Norma Lesperance, and Catherine Shambeau. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Two Rivers. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Tom Reynebeau. Claude will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers. Military rites will be accorded by V.F.W. Post #1248 and American Legion Post #165.The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Two Rivers.Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting
www.kleinandstangel.com Klein and Stangel Funeral Home, Two Rivers, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.The family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Grancare Nursing Center, Fond du Lac, for the extraordinary care given to Claude.
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