Alexander "Al" Beisel, 85, of Escanaba, formerly of Engadine, owned and operated Beisel Standard Service for 23 years and was a bus driver for Engadine Schools for 30 years. Mr. Beisel died at his home Tuesday, July 19, 2005.

He was born January 6, 1920, in Mason City, Iowa, to George and Kathryn (nee Berg) Beisel. He was the youngest of 13 children.

Mr. Beisel married Rose Meyer in Mason City July 16, 1941.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army Infantry and receiving the Purple Heart of Valor for injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Mr. Beisel was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and VFW Post 8372, both of Engadine.

He loved to tinker in his woodworking shop and was an avid Detroit Tigers baseball fan, family members said. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending winters in Arizona. He most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Rose, of Escanaba; his children and their families, Linda Davis of New Baltimore, Connie and Daniel Belanger and Diane and Gregory Nantell, all of Escanaba; grandchildren and their families, Terrence and Susie Davis and Jacquelyn and Terry King, all of Naubinway, Tricia and Alan Goerke of Algonac, Troy Belanger of Jackson, Michael Belanger of Mount Clemens, Ryan and Kathryn Nantell of Antigo, Wisconsin, and Mitchell Nantell of Escanaba; eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his 12 siblings.

A funeral was held Friday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Arthur Bode officiating. Friends called at Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry Thursday, July 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and at the church Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment followed at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Building Fund.

Taken from The St. Ignace News / 28 July 2005