Dr. Kenneth D. Beer, 71, Milford, died of sepsis Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, at Goshen General Hospital.

Beer was born in Goshen on Feb. 10, 1946, to Maurice and Elinor “Betty” (Rassi) Beer. He was raised on a dairy farm three miles south of Milford with his siblings Sue, Judy, and Dave. After graduating from Milford High School in 1964, he went on to study at Indiana University, Ball State University, Bowling Green State University, and Arizona State University, eventually earning his Ph.D. in psychology.

On Nov. 20, 1966, he married Lynne M. Aeschliman, Bluffton. Ken and Lynne were longtime residents of Milford, where they built a home on Beer’s boyhood farm. There they raised three children: Jeremy, Jonah, and Amanda. Ken founded the Beer School of Real Estate in 1975, and thanks to his passion for teaching it became one of the leading real estate schools in the state. He also worked for many years as a marriage and family counselor.

During his adult life, Beer traveled literally around the world, visiting such far-flung countries as Morocco, Thailand, Tahiti, and Costa Rica with his wife and family. He was a highly engaged father who coached Little League, taught Sunday School, and spent many hours outdoors with his children. Later, he doted on his five grandchildren; at his house, toys and candy knew no limits. He will be fondly remembered for his extraordinary generosity, remarkably active listening, shock of white hair, and unparalleled love of gadgets, Pizza King, and Leman’s mints.

Beer was preceded in death by his wife Lynne. He is survived by three children: Jeremy (Kara), Phoenix, Ariz.; Jonah (Sara), Napa, Calif.; and Amanda Woodiel (Tom), Goshen; five grandchildren: Jack, Eli, Joseph, Irene, and Mary Flannery Woodiel of Goshen; and three siblings: Susan Schieler, Milford; Judy Kitson, Syracuse; and David Beer, Middlebury.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the Mishler Funeral Home at 461 W. 900 North, Milford. A graveside service will be held following the visitation at Milford Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s memory be made to Heifer International (www.heifer.org).

Mishler Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements, Online condolences may be given at www.mishlerfhcc.com.