Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Dee,
We have lost a close friend, Jim for over 80 years and Doreen for over 60 years.
I, Gordy, and his brother Larry spent most of our free time in our pre-teen and teenage years, enjoying the natural marshes, woods, and beach front of what is now known as the Illinois Beach State Park. Looking back we could not have hoped for a better setting to form a lifelong bond and friendship that continued on, for these many years. The experiences were many and most enjoyable. In the mid 1950's Gordy and I made the trip around Lake Michigan in my Chevy Station Wagon. One stop we made was at Porcupine State Park, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We were acclimated to the cold water of Lake Michigan and thought it would be a good opportunity to swim in Lake Superior. Twice we made it to our knees and retreated due to the pain in our legs. We made many trips into Wisconsin on our motorcycles which resulted in me meeting my wife, Doreen.
After my marriage to Doreen, and Gordy's marriage to Dee and our relocation to Colorado, we maintained friendship through letters, telephone, and visits. We normally made annual trips back to Illinois and Wisconsin to visit our parents and family and this always included visiting Gordy and Dee. Again we had many enjoyable times together.
Dee, we pray that God will bless you, guide and support you in the days ahead. Enjoy the great memories you and Gordy had together until you meet again. Gordy, we miss you, but our memories will remain as vivid and as enjoyable as we first experienced them. May God bless you and Dee. Our condolences to you, your family, and friends.
Your friends, Jim and Doreen Beall
