Home
starks logo

Gerald Beal

August 23rd, 1925 - August 6th, 2009

Gerald's Obituary

Gerald N. Beal, M.D., 83, of St. Joseph passed away peacefully Thursday, August 6, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. Dr. Beal was born on August 23, 1925, in Wyandotte, Michigan, the son of Rolla L. and Lena (Kircher) Beal. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, and continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science, with the honor distinction of Phi Beta Kappa. In 1954, he graduated from the University of Michigan School of Medicine with a Certificate of Proficiency in Internal Medicine. Dr. Beal served a two-year internship at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, with affiliations at Munson General Hospital in Traverse City and Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor. He completed his residency and was an instructor in the Internal Medicine Department at University Hospital, with affiliation at Midland Hospital, Midland. In 1954, Dr. Beal opened his private practice in St. Joseph, becoming a member of the staff at Memorial Hospital. In 1962, he was named Chief of Staff at Memorial Hospital. Dr. Beal was a member of the American Medical Association, the Berrien County Medical Society, serving as past president, and was a past Deputy Medical Examiner for Berrien County. He practiced medicine in the community until his retirement in December of 1994. Dr. Beal was a true professional to his patients, taking the time for direct patient care, and he was deeply respected and admired by his patients and colleagues. On December 14, 1952, he married Eileen Heritz of St. Joseph, and they were deeply devoted to one another for over 50 years of marriage, enjoying life to the fullest. Eileen preceded him in death in 2006. Dr. Beal is survived by his children -Julianne (Jon) Robinson of Jackson, Steven (Deborah) Beal of Novato, CA, Nancy (Alain) Bernigaud of Norman, OK, and Caroline (Russell) Szwabowski of St. Joseph; grandchildren- Katherine and Nora Robinson, Garrett and Weston Beal, Nathalie Bernigaud; step-grandchildren- Benjamin, Sarah, and Samuel Szwabowski; brother Dr. James L. Beal of W. Des Moines, Iowa; nephew John (Kathy) Bagley of Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Beal was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and step-sister Edith Bagley. In his professional and private life, Dr. Beal had a quick wit and abundance of wisdom that he shared with all who knew him. Although he grew up in and had fond memories of the Detroit area, he considered St. Joseph his home and was an enthusiastic promoter of all that the area had to offer, remaining here after his retirement. Dr. Beal would take long bicycle trips throughout Berrien County, returning with stories of the obscure places he had been and the interesting people he had met. He loved to read and had an immense library. Dr. Beal had a love of photography and developed many of his own pictures. He was a true student of history and loved taking his family on vacations along the back roads of the United States. Dr. Beal’s generosity extended throughout the community, where he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, The Heritage Center, The Krasl Art Center, the Twin Cities Area Literacy Council, and the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club. Dr. Beal shared a wonderful family life with his wife Eileen, his children, and grandchildren, who were often joined by many friends that were considered extended family. One of Dr. Beal’s philosophies was “Happiness in life is the journey itself, and not a place to arrive at.” Dr. Beal lived a full abundant life and will be forever loved, honored and remembered. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 on Monday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road. A celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church officiated by Rev. Thomas Batsky and Rev. Michael Roth; with burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the University of Michigan Medical School, the Heritage Center in St. Joseph, Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, or the American Cancer Society.

Service Details

View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.

Sign up for schedule updates