William "Bill" Harlow Beise

William “Bill” Beise, age 85, of Bass Lake Winnebago passed away Saturday, August 19, 2023 in his sleep by his wife’s side.  Bill suffered heart and kidney failure and an 18 year battle with heart disease.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church of Mapleton with Pastor Jackie Ziemer officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday, August 23 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Mapleton and will continue one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be at Union Cemetery, Mapleton.  Online condolences can be left at www.mankatomortuary.com. 

Bill was born on June 11, 1938, in Mankato to Harlow and Adeline “Ine” (Blowers) Beise.  He attended Mapleton school and enjoyed 4-H and FFA and helping his father on the Medo Township farm.  He served in the Army National Guard for 8 years.  Bill married Diane Paschke and they later divorced and in 1973 he married Kay (Schulenburg) Zierke.  Kay passed away December 1996.  Bill married Deanna (Smith) Snow on September 12, 1998, at Belgrade Avenue United Methodist Church, North Mankato.

Bill farmed and was employed by Ramy Seed in Mankato and Mapleton, Knutson Seed in Mapleton, and Carlson Craft.  He retired in 2006.  Bill chisel plowed for Manthei Brothers in Mapleton for over 30 years.  He was a member of C&N Pool League for over 30 years.  He loved all Minnesota sports teams, did woodworking, loved playing 500 and cribbage, and enjoyed feeding the birds.  He loved Daniel O’Donnell and Alan Jackson music.  He attended United Church of Mapleton and First United Methodist Church, Winnebago. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Deanna; daughter, Lisa of New Ulm; granddaughter, Kasey and great-grandson, Jaxon of St. Peter; sister, Mary Jane van Vianen of Kalispell, MT; step-son, Michael Miklas of Yuma, AZ; step-granddaughters, Rebecca Zierke of Red Wing and Jessica Zierke and great-grandsons, Jackson and Riley Schultz all of Wells; sister-in-law, Gloria Mashburn of Yukon, OK and her children, Amy (Bob), Paul (Trisha) and their children; special friends, Lee and Tim Manthei and their families, Greg (Kara) Boughey, and Randy (Laura) Winter.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlow and Ine; wives, Diane and Kay; stepson, Tim Zierke; and brother-in-law, Jack van Vianen. 

A special thanks to Mankato Mayo Hospice which helped make Bill’s last two months so caring and peaceful and to the neighbors and other friends on Bill’s journey.  Please consider a donation to Mankato Mayo Hospice and the United Church of Mapleton. 

Blessed be the memory of Bill Beise.  He was soft spoken, a hard worker, and loved the land.