Dorothy A. Beil

Dorothy A. Kirker Beil, born May 4, 1924 in Pukemiro, New Zealand, passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2025 in Florida at the age of 100.

Dorothy loved to bake, fish, play cards, and crochet. She gave back to the community as a volunteer, especially at Hudson Chamber of Commerce, Hudson Community Club, and running the bingo at Bear Creek Nursing Home. She embodied a spirit of service throughout her life.

She married Leonard A. Beil at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland, New Zealand. They spent 55 wonderful years together until his death in 2001. While Leonard was stationed as a Marine in the South Pacific during World War II, he met Dorothy at a bus stop in New Zealand. Turning to his buddies, he said, “I’m going to marry that girl.” Dorothy made him go home to the U.S. and return to marry her to ensure that she would not be a forgotten war bride. Together, they built a life and a family, living in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, New York, and finally, Florida — which was the best place to land for Dorothy, considering she loved to fish and hated the cold.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Judith (George) Eyster, Mary Anne (Greg) Niemiec, Eugene (Margaret) Beil, Kenneth (Andrea) Beil; and siblings, James Kirker and Joanne Taylor. She was also known as “Nana” to 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Alice Hodgson Kirker and William John Kirker; her husband, Leonard; her siblings William, Jean, Pat, Maureen, and Mary; and her granddaughter Katherine Beil.

Dorothy’s strength and longevity will forever be cherished by all who knew her.