William Beranek

William Beranek, an academic whose financial insight influenced thousands of students and colleagues, died on June 2, 2017 In Aiken, SC at the age of 94. Born in Milwaukee, WI, he was the fourth of five children of Joseph and Barbara Beranek, immigrants from Prague in what is now the Czech Republic. He served in the Pacific with the US Army Air Force in World War II. In the final year of the war, he married Virginia Meyer, his high school sweetheart. Following the war, he received his BS in Accounting, an MBA in Finance and a PhD in Finance from UCLA, specializing in applying operations research to financial decisions. His academic career started with a faculty position at MIT. He subsequently served on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin, Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh and University of Georgia where he filled an endowed Chair position. He and Virginia retired to Oro Valley, AZ where they lived until Virginia passed in 2007. He then moved to Aiken, SC and lived with his son and daughter-in-law until he moved to Cumberland Village in 2011. In 2014 he met Jackie Patterson who became a loving companion until her death in 2016. He enjoyed travelling, especially ocean cruises. He regularly hiked in nature in state and national parkland around wherever he lived. During the last seven years, he shared his economic and other insights as a regular guest columnist in The Augusta Chronicle, a column that was enjoyed by readers throughout the Southeast. He is survived by his children, William Beranek, Jr (Susan) in Indianapolis, IN; Mary Jo Beaugh in Estes Park, CO; and Fred Beranek (Michele) in Aiken, SC. He leaves behind eight grandchildren (Joseph Beranek, Jennifer Beaugh Crook, Kevin Beaugh, Vicki Beaugh, Rebecca Beaugh Lawrence, Corey Beaugh, Lori Beranek Watson and Adam Beranek) and thirteen great- grandchildren as well as four nieces and nephews. No funeral will be held as friends should celebrate his long and fruitful life in their own private way. Dr. Beranek’s family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Cumberland Village as well as Trinity Hospice of Aiken and DayBreak Adult Care Services for their care and many kindnesses during this time.SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SCWilliam's online guest book may be signed at www.shellhouseriversfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Beranek, please visit our flower store.