Michael Beimer

Michael Richard Beimer, 72, of Mount Vernon, Iowa, died at home on Sunday, November 10, 2019. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. on Friday. Burial: Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon. Survivors include his wife, Julie; sons, Jonathan Beimer of Central City, Christopher Beimer of Waverly, and Thomas (Kelsey) Beimer of Marion; four stepchildren, Thomas, Kathy, Lew, and Susan; grandchildren, Reiley Dorgan, Lilian Beimer, William Beimer, Hoyt Beimer, Sophie Beimer, and Addison Beimer; siblings, Kathy (Tom) Heffernan of Williamsburg, Virginia, Brian Beimer of Magnolia, Texas, and Deb-i Beimer of Fort Madison; and so many friends, including special family friend, Terry German. Mike was born January 3, 1947, in Fort Madison, the son of Richard and Doris (Malin) Beimer. After high school, he attended the University of Northern Iowa majoring in art. Mike then served a short time in the US Navy, before taking over the family auto service station, Winke's, in Fort Madison. Mike married Mary Poole in 1981, and was blessed with three sons. They later divorced. He sold the business in 1986. Mike went on to work for the Iowa Small Business Center and as a graduate assistant at Western Illinois University while attending college. He earned a Bachelor in Business from Iowa Wesleyan College in May of 1987, and a Master of Public Administration from Western Illinois University in December of 1987. On the day of his graduation, he was offered the city clerk and city administrator position in Mount Vernon and began work on January 3, 1988. For the next 28 years, he served with steady leadership before retiring on January 3, 2016. Mike left his mark on many community projects. He will be remembered for his ability to work with city leadership and citizens to find solutions and think towards the future growth of Mount Vernon. From the new fire station to new parks to improving the water system, you can see his fingerprints just about everywhere in town. Mike was most proud of working with REM to create housing and training opportunities for people with disabilities. He was also very proud of earning his Doctorate in Management and Administration from Columbia Public University in 1993. He dedicated his life to public service through many additional hours of continuing education and training. Mike was the 33rd person in world to achieve the Master of Municipal Clerk certification. On May 12, 2008, he married Julie (Alsbury) Valencia in the Smokey Mountains. They enjoyed many wonderful years together especially time spent in the Black Hills, Door County Wisconsin, and Branson, Missouri. Mike was well-regarded for his knowledge of military firearms and related gear from the Civil War, and both World Wars. He also enjoyed photography and loved all dogs. Some of his most memorable times were spent with his boys at the farm where they would hunt, camp, and enjoy the nature. Mike was truly always a kind-hearted and humble man. He was a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Phi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Society, American Legion, and was a 32nd degree Master Mason. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sue Nelson and Melissa Auwaerter; and his beloved chocolate lab, Rowley. Memorials may be directed to the family.