Theodore Alfred Beyer, 108, of Winfield, died March 30, 2013 at home. Ted was born on February 10, 1905 to Karl and Elizabeth Wind Beyer in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.  His family came to the United States through Ellis Island in 1923.

Mr. Beyer worked at Marshall Field & Co. for over 35 years as a furniture buyer.  He was a member in the Chicago Mandolin Orchestra, which performed at the Logan Square Auditorium in the late 1920's. At the time of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, he lived nearby on Clark Street and knew the mechanic who was killed that day. Though he was asked to be a driver by one of the men later killed, he declined and lived to tell the story of his brush with the mob. He enjoyed woodworking, volunteered at the Dupage County Convalescent Home, and was, until his 101st birthday, an avid bowler.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elsie (Schroeder) Beyer, daughter Eleanor Patterson, and two brothers, Karl and Fred.

He is survived by his son-in-law, Morrey Patterson; three grandchildren, Beth Patterson (David), Russell Patterson (Faith) and Judy Madden (David); three great- grandchildren, Nick Patterson, Janie Madden Latimer and Kate Madden; and three great-great-grandchildren, Jared Mitchell, Abby Patterson, and Evan Patterson.

A graveside service will be held for the family on Thursday, April 4th.