Donation of a lifetime for area non-profits

GREEN BAY - Four organizations in Brown County have 1.7 million reasons to celebrate.

One couple, Norma and Angus Beaton had long ties to Green Bay, but no children to inherit their fortune.

Now, 25 years after their death, all the couple's money has been given away.

It was right around the time when World War II broke out. Angus Beaton served in the Army and then the Navy.

Childhood neighbor, Clyde Truttmann became a friend of the family. The bond would last a lifetime and beyond.

After the war, Angus Beaton spent much of his career with Wisconsin Public Service. His wife Norma at Fort Howard Paper.

"He invested his money well, saved his money. I'm sure he had some Fort Howard stock in there somewhere," said Harry Maier, Truttmann's friend.

Harry Maier has known Truttmann for three decades. 

The Beatons amassed a small fortune. But with no children, the couple decided to give it for good. But there was a catch.

"They would not release the funds from their estate for 25 years. Clyde Truttmann was named executor of the estate. So Clyde's been living with this little secret for 25 years," said Maier.

$1.7 million was to be split four ways.

The Bay Area Humane Society got $342,000.

"The money will go to operations. We need a lot of things right now. We have a leaky roof, we have some HVAC system things that need to be done," said Karen DeBaker, Bay Area Humane Society, director of development.

The Lakeland Chapter of the American Red Cross got $342,000, as did the YMCA.

The Salvation Army of Brown County Endowment was the big winner. $685,000 will go toward future capitol projects.

"It will be used to repair doors, build facilities, or could be used to build facilities, to paint rooms, those types of things to keep our buildings in good shape, so that we're able to serve people in need," said Capt. Ken Shiels, Salvation Army of Brown County.

Serving people in need. The Beatons may be the first couple to pay it forward.

"He was just a common average person. He just loved the community, so he gave back everything he earned. That's just great," said Maier.

The Beatons retired and settled in Green Bay.

Both Norma and Angus died in 1987, just nine weeks apart.