Merle "Jake" Beard, age 70, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Wisconsin Dells, with Father Paul Ugo Arinze celebrating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Jake was born October 29, 1954 in Baraboo, WI, the son of Leon and Verna (Ennis) Beard. He served in the United States Navy for four years, stationed in Guam, Alaska, and California. He retired from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections where he worked for over 25 years. He was married to Colleen Ruddy and together they raised four children.
Jake is survived by his children, Matthew Beard, Melissa (Todd) Heaton, Monica Zhovklyy, and Michael (Holly Skretta) Beard; grandchildren, Gabriel, Noah, Nikolai, and Dominic; siblings, William (Corinne) Beard, Andrew (Rosie) Beard, and Myrna (Alva) Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, James and his wife, Katie Beard; Leah and her husband, Robert Fawcett; niece, Amy Fawcett; nephew, Daniel Smith.
Jake embraced life fully; spending time with family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors. He enjoyed the annual family canoe trips and fishing trips with friends. Jake's legacy of love, laughter, and adventure lives on through family and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.