Otto Beer Jr., 84, went to be with Jesus, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016 at his home after failing health over the past year.

He was born Nov. 6, 1931 in Milford, to Otto Beer Sr., and Barbara (Graff) Beer. On Oct. 9, 1955 he married Joan E. Meyer in the home of her parents Jacob and Ann Meyer in Bluffton.

He is survived by his wife, Joan and their four children: Kim (Mike) Kearney, New Paris; Michael (Nancy) Beer, Nappanee; Kelli (Kevin) Noble, New Paris; Mark (Ellen) Beer, Goshen; twelve grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; as well as his brothers: Harlan Beer, Nappanee; Lawrence Beer, Goshen; William (Evelyn) Beer, New Paris; and sisters: Lorene Mikel, Evelyn Beer, both of Nappanee; and Barbara Myers, Goshen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Harold Beer, Indianapolis; and Eldon Beer, Milford.

Otto was a 1949 graduate of New Paris High School and served in the US Navy from 1951-1955 during the Korean War.

He was founding member and Pastor of Living Gospel Church in Nappanee for 25 years. He had worked as a Pressman at World Missionary Press for 20 years and was a Beekeeper for most of his life.  Most importantly, he was a Fisher of Men from the time he first surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  One of his favorite verses, which he quoted in this way, sums up his life and love for Jesus Christ.  “But as for me, my contentment is not in wealth but in seeing you (Jesus) and knowing all is well between us.  And when I awake in heaven I will be fully satisfied, for I will see you (Jesus) face to face.”  Psalm 17:15, the Living Bible.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Nappanee Missionary Church and for one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service, Friday, Sept. 2, also at the church. Pastor Mike Raasch will officiate. Burial will follow at Milford Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Nappanee American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Living Gospel Church or World Missionary Press.

Thompson-Lenacher and Yoder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.