Richard William Beers

In Loving Memory of Richard W. Beers

July 31, 1952 – November 21, 2024

It is with heavy hearts and a profound love for his life that we announce the passing of Richard William Beers of Delavan, Wisconsin - beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and pillar of the Delavan community.

Richard passed peacefully with the comfort of his family by his side at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, leaving behind a legacy of service and generosity.

Born in Evanston, IL to Thomas Moulding Beers and Mary Waidner Beers, Richard spent his early life between Kenilworth, IL, Potomac, MD, and Delavan. Dating back to 1916, the Beers family spent their summers enjoying the sailing life on Delavan Lake. He carried on the legacy of D-42, his family sailing number, following in the footsteps of his father and his uncle, the late Sylvester Beers. He graduated from Vermont Academy, completed his undergraduate degree at Illinois Wesleyan University, and obtained his Masters in Behavioral Psychology at Western Michigan University.

Richard was a man of many passions, having a hand in numerous clubs and organizations that became part of his daily life. A lifelong sailor of the Inland Lake Yachting Association and Delavan Lake Yacht Club, he found peace and purpose while sailing and serving on various committees for over 30 years. The enthusiasm he had for these associations has radiated throughout the sailing community and he loved nothing more than getting youth sailors involved in the sport of sailing. He spent countless hours not only on the water but serving the community he held so near and dear to him. His numerous leadership positions have reflected his unwavering commitment to making his neighborhood and sailing community a better place for all. The sheer impact he has made upon the community is immeasurable and it will forever feel his absence.

Richard shared a 44-year marriage with the love of his life, Kay Winkler Beers whom he met while attending graduate school in Kalamazoo, MI. Together, they built a family filled with love, raising their daughters in Oak Park, IL and Delavan. He was incredibly proud of the life they had cultivated, and he felt unbelievably fortunate to wake up to the lake every day. He is survived by his wife Kay, his daughters Mary Katherine and Rachel Nancy, his siblings Thomas, Nancy (John Parsons), and Susan (Peter Betzer) and their families, close cousins Steve Beers, Jerry Waidner, Jack Waidner, and Fred Waidner and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind an extensive network and circle of friends who will deeply miss his companionship.

As we bid farewell to Richard, we find comfort in knowing that he is navigating the heavenly waters in his sailboat, looking upon his family and friends with the sun shining warmly on his face. May the winds be ever in his favor and waters always be calm.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at the Delavan Lake Yacht Club in May 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Delavan Lake Sailing School

PO Box 72, Delavan, WI 53115.

Support can also be offered directly to the family via Richard’s GoFundMe (LINK): Richard Beers GoFundMe