Neil Michael Bealka

Neil passed away at Woodbury Healthcare Center on December 20, 2023, one week after his 93 rd birthday. Neil grew up in Chaska, MN and went on to the University of Minnesota for a degree in Chemical Engineering. While there, he met and fell in love with Glenna Gleason at the Newman Center. They married and Neil spent the next several years in the Navy. On returning to MN, Neil went back to the University, earned his medical degree and then moved to Stillwater to work in Family Medicine for the next 35 years. He was a skilled, caring and beloved clinician, delivering more than 2,200 babies.

Neil enjoyed travelling and drove the family of seven in the station wagon on many cross-country vacations. He was very artistic and designed beautiful stained glass windows, hangings and lamps. As a Master Gardener, Neil taught classes and created wonderful gardens at home, often relaxing with a beer and cigar after working outside. Neil and Glenna were active at the Church of St. Michael, reading and serving communion at Mass and more. He enjoyed getting together with friends, reading, playing cards, golf, fishing, watching sports and especially loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Glenna, parents Emil and Frances Bealka; brother Bob Bealka; brothers-in-law Tom and Jack Gleason, sisters-in-law Marie and Joan Gleason and Audrey Bealka; and great grandson Luke Bealka.

He is survived by daughter Coleen (Steve) Ebner; sons Neil Jr. (Deb), Steve (Kit), Jim (Barby) and Dave (Anne) Bealka; brother Dennis (Kathy) Bealka and sister Kathy (Dean) Roper; sister-in law Janet Schaapveld; grandchildren Dave, Stephanie, Neil III, Peter, Matt, Dan, John, Alexander, Aaron, Katie and Meg; great grandchildren Lillian, Cecilia, Bennett, Wells, Aiden, Jace, Henry, Marian, Rosie; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to Washington County Master Gardeners, Stillwater Public Library Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

At a later date, a private Memorial Family Gathering will be held at the Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center in Stillwater.